Our latest addition to the Fanatic Paddle range is the Pure Paddle, the perfect match for our entry level Pure iSUPs and for anyone looking to get a good amount of bang for your buck!
With its 15% Carbon / Composite shaft and solid 8” ABS blade, it’s light in your hands and handles the usual contact in the early stages with ease.

Available in adjustable and adjustable 3-piece version with a length of 165-220cm or Ripper Pure Kids model!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/03/F18_FBW_SUP_Product_Paddle_Pure.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/F18_FBW_SUP_Product_Paddle_Pure.jpgVictor Fernandez & Nacho Rocha: Cape Town 2018http://www.fanatic.com/victor-fernandez-nacho-rocha-cape-town-2018/
Victor Fernandez, Nacho Rocha and friends made a super cool edit about their recent trip to Cape Town – must watch!

Victor talks about the trip:

“This was my 6th trip to South Africa. Every time I come here I get amazed by this country, how people live and how consistent the conditions are for windsurfing. This year one of the worst parts of the trip was the water crisis, as this makes you think way more how vulnerable we are on this planet and how important water can be. Another bad thing was Alessio´s injury at Cape Point. That day I was filming a friend (Nacho Rocha) and Alessio was on the wave behind him, so I could not see the accident. But right after I looked through my camera lens as I saw Alessio´s gear far away from him and Klaas helping him to get back to the beach, so I knew something bad was going on. So threw my camera gear in the car, called other people from the parking and we all immediatly ran down to the beach to help Alessio. Hard day and hard place when something like this happens as there is not even a phone signal to call the ambulance in this remote spot. Fortunately all worked out and Alessio seems to be recovering well at home in Pozo now. I wish him all the best and he will come back stronger than ever for sure!

I had 3 amazing weeks of windsurf, surfing, hiking and even got the chance to fly via airplane over Cape Town. We sailed a a lot in the south – my favorite spot is Scarborough where I stayed on my last week of the trip. Heavy shorebreak but, super fun and intense sailing there. Most of the video is shot at Scarbourgh and Witsands. Have fun watching!

Victor Fernandez, Nacho Rocha and friends made a super cool edit about their recent trip to Cape Town – must watch!

Victor talks about the trip:

“This was my 6th trip to South Africa. Every time I come here I get amazed by this country, how people live and how consistent the conditions are for windsurfing. This year one of the worst parts of the trip was the water crisis, as this makes you think way more how vulnerable we are on this planet and how important water can be. Another bad thing was Alessio´s injury at Cape Point. That day I was filming a friend (Nacho Rocha) and Alessio was on the wave behind him, so I could not see the accident. But right after I looked through my camera lens as I saw Alessio´s gear far away from him and Klaas helping him to get back to the beach, so I knew something bad was going on. So threw my camera gear in the car, called other people from the parking and we all immediatly ran down to the beach to help Alessio. Hard day and hard place when something like this happens as there is not even a phone signal to call the ambulance in this remote spot. Fortunately all worked out and Alessio seems to be recovering well at home in Pozo now. I wish him all the best and he will come back stronger than ever for sure!

I had 3 amazing weeks of windsurf, surfing, hiking and even got the chance to fly via airplane over Cape Town. We sailed a a lot in the south – my favorite spot is Scarborough where I stayed on my last week of the trip. Heavy shorebreak but, super fun and intense sailing there. Most of the video is shot at Scarbourgh and Witsands. Have fun watching!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/03/IMG_3DF0EC140793-1.jpeg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/IMG_3DF0EC140793-1.jpegIn The Spotlight – Gollito Estredohttp://www.fanatic.com/in-the-spotlight-gollito-estredo/
King of Freestyle Gollito Estredo is featured next in our Spotlight series! With an incredible 8th World Title Gollito once more could defend his leadership in 2017! His first win was in 2006, then 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017 – everything with Fanatic, so we can definitely call us a proud sponsor!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
I was feeling comfortable and well prepared as I trained a lot over the winter. Of course I was very happy that I got my 8th World Title after the Sylt event. In January I went to Cape Town for the first time in my life to train there. So the new year started of very good and since I’m focusing also on the wave discipline for the future, this was the perfect spot to train.

Highs and Lows?
Highs: I invented new moves like Push Forward and Killer, this made me feel really good. And winning the PWA events on Fuerte and Sylt and my 8th title was definitely a High as well!
Lows: I was quite sad that I was not able to compete in the PWA Wave event in Pozo – I was training hard and would have been prepared : -(

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I spent more time on my mountain bike and in the gym. And I eat a healthier diet.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
My favourite board is the Skate 99, I would never change it – it´s just perfect.

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
I really get inspired by Amado because since the last year he improved a lot and I can see that his training pays off. We are good friends and spent a lot of time training together.

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Never lose your motivation and don´t give up until you have reached your dreams!

Who do you credit as part of your success?
My family because they look at me like a really am, not just for the sport. And of course my old friend Andre Paskowski….

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I want to push a little bit more in the waves this year, I´m really motivated fort hat! But Freestyle will always be my preference.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
When I did not realize that I was driving over somebody´s sail with my car : -)

Turns or airs?
Turns

Home or Hawaii?
Hawaii

Thrusters or Quads?
Thrusters

High boom or low boom?
Low boom

Big winds or big waves?
Big waves

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
My first train in Cape Town was amazing, I definitely improved my waveriding and was working on my Pushloop into Frontloop!

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
Get better and better in waves and be in the Top Ten! And of course defending my Freestyle Title – would be nice to get title number 9 and 10 : -)

King of Freestyle Gollito Estredo is featured next in our Spotlight series! With an incredible 8th World Title Gollito once more could defend his leadership in 2017! His first win was in 2006, then 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017 – everything with Fanatic, so we can definitely call us a proud sponsor!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
I was feeling comfortable and well prepared as I trained a lot over the winter. Of course I was very happy that I got my 8th World Title after the Sylt event. In January I went to Cape Town for the first time in my life to train there. So the new year started of very good and since I’m focusing also on the wave discipline for the future, this was the perfect spot to train.

Highs and Lows?
Highs: I invented new moves like Push Forward and Killer, this made me feel really good. And winning the PWA events on Fuerte and Sylt and my 8th title was definitely a High as well!
Lows: I was quite sad that I was not able to compete in the PWA Wave event in Pozo – I was training hard and would have been prepared : -(

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I spent more time on my mountain bike and in the gym. And I eat a healthier diet.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
My favourite board is the Skate 99, I would never change it – it´s just perfect.

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
I really get inspired by Amado because since the last year he improved a lot and I can see that his training pays off. We are good friends and spent a lot of time training together.

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Never lose your motivation and don´t give up until you have reached your dreams!

Who do you credit as part of your success?
My family because they look at me like a really am, not just for the sport. And of course my old friend Andre Paskowski….

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I want to push a little bit more in the waves this year, I´m really motivated fort hat! But Freestyle will always be my preference.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
When I did not realize that I was driving over somebody´s sail with my car : -)

Turns or airs?
Turns

Home or Hawaii?
Hawaii

Thrusters or Quads?
Thrusters

High boom or low boom?
Low boom

Big winds or big waves?
Big waves

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
My first train in Cape Town was amazing, I definitely improved my waveriding and was working on my Pushloop into Frontloop!

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
Get better and better in waves and be in the Top Ten! And of course defending my Freestyle Title – would be nice to get title number 9 and 10 : -)

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/02/Thumb_Gollito-2.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Thumb_Gollito-2.jpgIn The Spotlight – Vincent Langerhttp://www.fanatic.com/in-the-spotlight-vincent-langer/
“In The Spotlight” today: German Slalom rocket Vincent Langer! Vinci collected quite some titles in 2017: Formula World Champ, German Overall Champ, European Slalom Champ and last but not least he finished 2nd at the PWA on Sylt right after his team mate Marco Lang. Read more about him hereafter!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
End of 2016 I had a bad injury and broke my left foot. I was working hard in the beginning of the year to get fit again. The training sessions on Tenerife and Lake Garda were long and hard, but after I felt strong again. The first event was the Formula Worlds and I went home with a title – an amazing feeling. After that I did mainly German events, got German Champ in Slalom and Formula and finished the season with a second place at the PWA Sylt in Slalom. Not too bad – I am happy!

Highs and Lows?
Sure there were highs and lows, but that is part of the game being a professional sports athlete. Most important is to get up again and train even more.

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I did. After my injury I was more careful with my body. I think my training was more efficient and I got even stronger.

What is your favorite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
It is for sure the Falcon 136. I can use it from 8-25 knots. I think I race up to 95% on this board – my personal winner!

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
Honestly, I look up to Antoine Albeau. After so many years he is still motivated, professional and strong in all conditions. Really impressive.

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Work hard, be fair and honest, respect all other windsurfers from a beginner to a world champion and be thankful about each day you can spend on the water. And of course – join my Windsurf Kids Camp! This year it is taking place from 31.07. – 05.08.2018 in Grönwohld, check here for more: https://www.vincentlanger.net/lvm-kids-camp/

Who do you credit as part of your success?
My father, my physio and fur sure my sponsors.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I will continue as long as possible. But as soon as I feel that I do not enjoy it anymore, I will stop. Because if you lose your fun while Windsurfing you will not be successful long term anymore.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
Friends standing on the start line without a harness… Hahaha!

Turns or airs?
No turns, no airs – full speed ahead!

Home or Hawaii?
Home! It is like Hawaii!

Thrusters or Quads?
Single Fin! We just found out that Slalomboards are much faster with one fin only.

High boom or low boom?
High!

Big winds or big waves?
Actually lighter wind and bigger waves.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I am training as much as I can, anything can always get better! It´s good to train with my team mates like Marco Lang, Pierre Mortefon or Jordy Vonk – we can learn from each other. Besides I am working on different projects with some of my sponsor partners and right now we are already preparing the upcoming kids camps.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018
Fun on the water, wind, sun, testing days, competition, sundowns and summer in Kiel.

“In The Spotlight” today: German Slalom rocket Vincent Langer! Vinci collected quite some titles in 2017: Formula World Champ, German Overall Champ, European Slalom Champ and last but not least he finished 2nd at the PWA on Sylt right after his team mate Marco Lang. Read more about him hereafter!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
End of 2016 I had a bad injury and broke my left foot. I was working hard in the beginning of the year to get fit again. The training sessions on Tenerife and Lake Garda were long and hard, but after I felt strong again. The first event was the Formula Worlds and I went home with a title – an amazing feeling. After that I did mainly German events, got German Champ in Slalom and Formula and finished the season with a second place at the PWA Sylt in Slalom. Not too bad – I am happy!

Highs and Lows?
Sure there were highs and lows, but that is part of the game being a professional sports athlete. Most important is to get up again and train even more.

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I did. After my injury I was more careful with my body. I think my training was more efficient and I got even stronger.

What is your favorite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
It is for sure the Falcon 136. I can use it from 8-25 knots. I think I race up to 95% on this board – my personal winner!

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
Honestly, I look up to Antoine Albeau. After so many years he is still motivated, professional and strong in all conditions. Really impressive.

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Work hard, be fair and honest, respect all other windsurfers from a beginner to a world champion and be thankful about each day you can spend on the water. And of course – join my Windsurf Kids Camp! This year it is taking place from 31.07. – 05.08.2018 in Grönwohld, check here for more: https://www.vincentlanger.net/lvm-kids-camp/

Who do you credit as part of your success?
My father, my physio and fur sure my sponsors.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I will continue as long as possible. But as soon as I feel that I do not enjoy it anymore, I will stop. Because if you lose your fun while Windsurfing you will not be successful long term anymore.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
Friends standing on the start line without a harness… Hahaha!

Turns or airs?
No turns, no airs – full speed ahead!

Home or Hawaii?
Home! It is like Hawaii!

Thrusters or Quads?
Single Fin! We just found out that Slalomboards are much faster with one fin only.

High boom or low boom?
High!

Big winds or big waves?
Actually lighter wind and bigger waves.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I am training as much as I can, anything can always get better! It´s good to train with my team mates like Marco Lang, Pierre Mortefon or Jordy Vonk – we can learn from each other. Besides I am working on different projects with some of my sponsor partners and right now we are already preparing the upcoming kids camps.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018
Fun on the water, wind, sun, testing days, competition, sundowns and summer in Kiel.

Micro-adventures are refreshing and exciting challenges that open the eyes to the forgotten beauties of everyday life. Last December Thomas Oschwald started a micro-expedition with his Ray Air in Finland. This time his goal was not a special desination but to find out how long he can stand the cold and loneliness challenged by the darkness and unknown waters to see things again with new eyes. The easiest way to find Happiness and Freedom!

We have already launched the first part of the video in December, here comes part two!

Micro-adventures are refreshing and exciting challenges that open the eyes to the forgotten beauties of everyday life. Last December Thomas Oschwald started a micro-expedition with his Ray Air in Finland. This time his goal was not a special desination but to find out how long he can stand the cold and loneliness challenged by the darkness and unknown waters to see things again with new eyes. The easiest way to find Happiness and Freedom!

We have already launched the first part of the video in December, here comes part two!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/02/Finland_Oschwald_031.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Finland_Oschwald_031.jpgIn The Spotlight – Arthur Arutkinhttp://www.fanatic.com/in-the-spotlight-arthur-arutkin/
In The Spotlight today: Waterman Arthur Arutkin! He can do it all: SUPracing, SUPsurfing, Windsurfing and Surfing! But his main focus is on SUPracing where he already showed some good results and getting better and better. Over the last years he found success in various international SUP races, bringing his talent and kind personality to each place he visits. Read herafter about what Arthur is up to!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
2017 was an outstanding year, I really improved a lot in my everyday training – SUP Racing/Waveriding but also my Windsurfing skills elaborated! I just love to be on the water with any board: Windsurfboard, SUP or Surf.

Highs and Lows?
The Carolina Cup in the USA was one of the first races of the year, not really my type of race and I did not get the results I was looking for. My victory at the SUPParis Crossing with almost 700 competitors in December was definitely my highlight of 2017!

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I have focussed more on the Flatwater/Race training and stepped back in in SUPsurfing and Windsurfing as you can´t do everything at the same speed. SUPracing definitely is my focus. I think it´s important to not go too hard on the body, however still focus 100%.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
My 12’6“ Falcon and 7’6“ ProWave are of my favourite boards I definitely use the most!

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in Stand Up Paddling and outside of the sport?
In the Stand Up Paddle world I always look up to Travis Grant. I love what he gave to the sport and he is a really nice guy.

What advice would you give to young groms?
Some important advice I would give to young groms, is to stay really focussed in your everyday training. Most essential is to have fun in what you do, even if it´s hard and not always easy!

Who do you credit as part of your success?
I credit my family and friends, but mainly my sponsors for giving me the support I need! I started windsurfing when I was 8 years old, and every summer I spent as much time on the water with may father Michel and my sister Alice. 2009 I discovered SUP then and again my dad was helping me to get into this sport.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans.
Hopefully I will be able to compete in both SUP and Windsurfing because I like both sports a lot and it´s hard to decide what to choose first.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
I think one of the best and funniest trips was in California with my friends from France, Martin Letourneur and Gab Bachelet at the Pacific Paddle Games.

Flatwater or waves?
Waves!

Home or Hawaii?
Home, but Hawaii when it’s too cold at home! Your home spot will always have a place in your heart and after all this is where it all started! But Maui also feels like my second home, I have spent a couple of month there every year since young age.

Open Ocean or lake?
Open Ocean for sure!

Big winds or big waves?
Big winds – I also love to do downwinders with my Falcon, this is the best training.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I want to improve in everything – SUPsurfing, SUPracing and Windsurfing), but as mentioned before my main focus is on SUPracing. Main goal is to always stay focussed!

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
I’m looking forward to compete on the APP World Tour for SUPsurfing and SUPracing and in most events of the PWA Windsurfing Tour. Besides I am looking forward to a lot of fun in and out the water!

In The Spotlight today: Waterman Arthur Arutkin! He can do it all: SUPracing, SUPsurfing, Windsurfing and Surfing! But his main focus is on SUPracing where he already showed some good results and getting better and better. Over the last years he found success in various international SUP races, bringing his talent and kind personality to each place he visits. Read herafter about what Arthur is up to!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
2017 was an outstanding year, I really improved a lot in my everyday training – SUP Racing/Waveriding but also my Windsurfing skills elaborated! I just love to be on the water with any board: Windsurfboard, SUP or Surf.

Highs and Lows?
The Carolina Cup in the USA was one of the first races of the year, not really my type of race and I did not get the results I was looking for. My victory at the SUPParis Crossing with almost 700 competitors in December was definitely my highlight of 2017!

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I have focussed more on the Flatwater/Race training and stepped back in in SUPsurfing and Windsurfing as you can´t do everything at the same speed. SUPracing definitely is my focus. I think it´s important to not go too hard on the body, however still focus 100%.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
My 12’6“ Falcon and 7’6“ ProWave are of my favourite boards I definitely use the most!

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in Stand Up Paddling and outside of the sport?
In the Stand Up Paddle world I always look up to Travis Grant. I love what he gave to the sport and he is a really nice guy.

What advice would you give to young groms?
Some important advice I would give to young groms, is to stay really focussed in your everyday training. Most essential is to have fun in what you do, even if it´s hard and not always easy!

Who do you credit as part of your success?
I credit my family and friends, but mainly my sponsors for giving me the support I need! I started windsurfing when I was 8 years old, and every summer I spent as much time on the water with may father Michel and my sister Alice. 2009 I discovered SUP then and again my dad was helping me to get into this sport.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans.
Hopefully I will be able to compete in both SUP and Windsurfing because I like both sports a lot and it´s hard to decide what to choose first.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
I think one of the best and funniest trips was in California with my friends from France, Martin Letourneur and Gab Bachelet at the Pacific Paddle Games.

Flatwater or waves?
Waves!

Home or Hawaii?
Home, but Hawaii when it’s too cold at home! Your home spot will always have a place in your heart and after all this is where it all started! But Maui also feels like my second home, I have spent a couple of month there every year since young age.

Open Ocean or lake?
Open Ocean for sure!

Big winds or big waves?
Big winds – I also love to do downwinders with my Falcon, this is the best training.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I want to improve in everything – SUPsurfing, SUPracing and Windsurfing), but as mentioned before my main focus is on SUPracing. Main goal is to always stay focussed!

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
I’m looking forward to compete on the APP World Tour for SUPsurfing and SUPracing and in most events of the PWA Windsurfing Tour. Besides I am looking forward to a lot of fun in and out the water!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/Thumb_Arthur_SUP.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Thumb_Arthur_SUP.jpgIn The Spotlight – Arrianne Aukeshttp://www.fanatic.com/in-the-spotlight-arrianne-aukes/
Today we would like to feature windsurfgirl Arrianne Aukes in our “In The Spotlight” series. Arrianne is a real watergirl and enjoys sailing in all conditions with her Skate, Grip or even Falcon! If there is no wind you can find her SUPing, Surfing or practicing some yoga!
Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?I’m looking back to another great year. I was able to compete again in the United States, in the Gorge and Rio Vista, and won in both competitions. After that I had a bit of time left and I got to travel all around Oregon, in search for wind and waves, which was a unique experience. I finished 4th overall in the PWA Freestyle again this year, and 3rd place in the EFPT Freestyle – happy with both results.
Besides Freestyle I did focus more on waves this year, and I feel that I improved my waveriding a lot. As a Freestyler I originally preferred jumping, but after wavesailing in Baja (Mexico) I fell in love with riding the waves.

Highs and Lows?
My high was windsurfing with Whales under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. I still get goosebumps thinking back of it. There were so many Whales swimming around us for such a long time. Another high was my first Yoga & Windsurf clinic in Bonaire. It was such a great week, with so many people improving and having fun.
A low was my competition in Sylt. We had starboard tack conditions (my favourite tack) and I sailed a very good heat, but the judges missed one of my jumps and I got knocked out in the first round of the double. Part of the game in a judge sport, but at that moment it felt pretty sh*t.Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I spend more time in the waves this year and that definitely made a big difference, to get more feeling with the waves. For freestyle I trained a lot in choppy conditions like the Gorge, and that was a good training for Fuerteventura.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
My 86 liter Skate Freestyleboard is my absolute favourite, for waves I really like the Grip 76.

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
I don’t have one particular person I look up to, but there are many people that inspire me. I think all my friends do inspire me – all in different ways. My dad is definitely an inspiration for me as well. He is still the keenest windsurfer I know, and still rips on the water.

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Enjoy it! It’s an unique experience and it taught me so much in life, besides all the windsurfing. Believe in yourself and never give up, whatever people tell you! But try to have a backup like a study, because it’s hard to life of just windsurfing nowadays.

Who do you credit as part of your success?
So many people! I could have never made it where I am today without my family, friends and sponsors. But my family has definitely helped me the most. They have always supported me in my choices (not financial), they taught me to believe in myself and that it is important to do what you love.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I don’t know what the future will bring, but windsurfing will always be a part of it! My focus this year is on my windsurf career, it’s still going very well and I enjoy every moment on the water. I hope in the future I can push and motivate people for a passion like windsurfing, and create more awareness on how important nature and clean oceans are for the world.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
There are SO many funny moments on tour! Most of the time I live with some of the other PWA girls in one house and most nights my stomach hurts from laughing so much during dinners. But I think one of the funniest moments was in Tenerife. We had a birthday party from Colin Whippy Dixon and together with the girls we dressed up in 80´s style clothes. We ended up doing some yoga style dancing moves in our pink pants, while we were all looking ridiculous.

Turns or airs?
Last year I would have said airs, but I think I go for turns now!

Home or Hawaii?
Can’t answer that question because I have never been in Hawaii yet! It’s on my list for this year!

Thrusters or Quads?
I love the Grip with a Quad set up.

High boom or low boom?
Average boom.

Big winds or big waves?
I like strong wind – in either mega flat water for an amazing Freestyle session or with nice clean waves.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I will go to Cape Town now and this will hopefully be a good winter training for 2018! I would like to improve my waveriding, get more consistent in my Pushloops and I also want to improve some power moves in Freestyle.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
I am looking forward to another adventurous year and I am very excited to finally go to Maui!

]]>Tue, 30 Jan 2018 14:23:52 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=44015Today we would like to feature windsurfgirl Arrianne Aukes in our “In The Spotlight” series. Arrianne is a real watergirl and enjoys sailing in all conditions with her Skate, Grip or even Falcon! If there is no wind you can find her SUPing, Surfing or practicing some yoga!
Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?I’m looking back to another great year. I was able to compete again in the United States, in the Gorge and Rio Vista, and won in both competitions. After that I had a bit of time left and I got to travel all around Oregon, in search for wind and waves, which was a unique experience. I finished 4th overall in the PWA Freestyle again this year, and 3rd place in the EFPT Freestyle – happy with both results.
Besides Freestyle I did focus more on waves this year, and I feel that I improved my waveriding a lot. As a Freestyler I originally preferred jumping, but after wavesailing in Baja (Mexico) I fell in love with riding the waves.

Highs and Lows?
My high was windsurfing with Whales under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. I still get goosebumps thinking back of it. There were so many Whales swimming around us for such a long time. Another high was my first Yoga & Windsurf clinic in Bonaire. It was such a great week, with so many people improving and having fun.
A low was my competition in Sylt. We had starboard tack conditions (my favourite tack) and I sailed a very good heat, but the judges missed one of my jumps and I got knocked out in the first round of the double. Part of the game in a judge sport, but at that moment it felt pretty sh*t.Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I spend more time in the waves this year and that definitely made a big difference, to get more feeling with the waves. For freestyle I trained a lot in choppy conditions like the Gorge, and that was a good training for Fuerteventura.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
My 86 liter Skate Freestyleboard is my absolute favourite, for waves I really like the Grip 76.

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
I don’t have one particular person I look up to, but there are many people that inspire me. I think all my friends do inspire me – all in different ways. My dad is definitely an inspiration for me as well. He is still the keenest windsurfer I know, and still rips on the water.

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Enjoy it! It’s an unique experience and it taught me so much in life, besides all the windsurfing. Believe in yourself and never give up, whatever people tell you! But try to have a backup like a study, because it’s hard to life of just windsurfing nowadays.

Who do you credit as part of your success?
So many people! I could have never made it where I am today without my family, friends and sponsors. But my family has definitely helped me the most. They have always supported me in my choices (not financial), they taught me to believe in myself and that it is important to do what you love.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I don’t know what the future will bring, but windsurfing will always be a part of it! My focus this year is on my windsurf career, it’s still going very well and I enjoy every moment on the water. I hope in the future I can push and motivate people for a passion like windsurfing, and create more awareness on how important nature and clean oceans are for the world.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
There are SO many funny moments on tour! Most of the time I live with some of the other PWA girls in one house and most nights my stomach hurts from laughing so much during dinners. But I think one of the funniest moments was in Tenerife. We had a birthday party from Colin Whippy Dixon and together with the girls we dressed up in 80´s style clothes. We ended up doing some yoga style dancing moves in our pink pants, while we were all looking ridiculous.

Turns or airs?
Last year I would have said airs, but I think I go for turns now!

Home or Hawaii?
Can’t answer that question because I have never been in Hawaii yet! It’s on my list for this year!

Thrusters or Quads?
I love the Grip with a Quad set up.

High boom or low boom?
Average boom.

Big winds or big waves?
I like strong wind – in either mega flat water for an amazing Freestyle session or with nice clean waves.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I will go to Cape Town now and this will hopefully be a good winter training for 2018! I would like to improve my waveriding, get more consistent in my Pushloops and I also want to improve some power moves in Freestyle.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
I am looking forward to another adventurous year and I am very excited to finally go to Maui!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/Thumb_Arrianne.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Thumb_Arrianne.jpgION CLUB XPERIENCE EVENTS 2018http://www.fanatic.com/ion-club-xperience-events-2018/
The ION CLUB XPERIENCE EVENTS calendar 2018 is out! At different destinations and professional trainers, ION CLUB offers a wide range of coaching sessions with maximum support and results. WAVERIDING, FREERIDING or WINDFOILING – a thrilling and sporty offer is waiting for you at ION CLUB destinations!

ION CLUB WINDFOIL XPERIENCE GOLF DE ROSES WITH WILLIAM HUPPERT 28.05.-02.06.2018
ION CLUB Golf de Roses is very excited to host the second Windfoil Coaching Event, supported by World Cup competitor William Huppert from France (FRA 330), one of the most experienced windsurf foil riders in Europe.

ION CLUB WAVERIDING XPERIENCE LE MORNE WITH KUBA GASIEWSKI 19.05 – 26.05.2018
Windsurfing on waves is a dream that sits somewhere deep inside every windsurfer. Once you finally catch your first wave than you want it even more and more. You get addicted to the thrill. So what stops you from fulfilling your dream? Under watchful and professional guidance you can be sure of your progression and safety. Pack your things and come chase your dreams!

ION CLUB FREERIDE XPERIENCE LE MORNE WITH KUBA GASIEWSKI02.12.2018 – 07.12.2018
Did you ever wonder it takes you so long to get planning? Are you tired of everybody blasting faster than you? Maybe a bit more confidence and efficiency with your waterstart would do you good? Is the carving jibe still on the list of your dreams? Join our Freeride Xperience with Kuba and get those all questions blown away with the wind. Experience Kuba´s unique teaching style and methods.

ION CLUB FREERIDE XPERIENCE EVENT TARIFA WITH CHRIS ZIAJA 16.03. – 18.03.2018
For all of you able to waterstart and looking forward to improving their Windsurfing skills together with a group of likeminded people, this Freeride Camp is just ideal!

FUERTEVENTURA XPERIENCE EVENT WITH TOM BRENDT 11.07. – 18.07.2018
For the fourth time in a row, the Windsurf Xperience Event Fuerte is taking place together with pro coach Tom Brendt. The main focus will be on Freeride and it is designed for anyone who is into professional coaching delivered in an entertaining and varied manner, and no longer regards themselves as a beginner. Success is guaranteed.

The ION CLUB XPERIENCE EVENTS calendar 2018 is out! At different destinations and professional trainers, ION CLUB offers a wide range of coaching sessions with maximum support and results. WAVERIDING, FREERIDING or WINDFOILING – a thrilling and sporty offer is waiting for you at ION CLUB destinations!

ION CLUB WINDFOIL XPERIENCE GOLF DE ROSES WITH WILLIAM HUPPERT 28.05.-02.06.2018
ION CLUB Golf de Roses is very excited to host the second Windfoil Coaching Event, supported by World Cup competitor William Huppert from France (FRA 330), one of the most experienced windsurf foil riders in Europe.

ION CLUB WAVERIDING XPERIENCE LE MORNE WITH KUBA GASIEWSKI 19.05 – 26.05.2018
Windsurfing on waves is a dream that sits somewhere deep inside every windsurfer. Once you finally catch your first wave than you want it even more and more. You get addicted to the thrill. So what stops you from fulfilling your dream? Under watchful and professional guidance you can be sure of your progression and safety. Pack your things and come chase your dreams!

ION CLUB FREERIDE XPERIENCE LE MORNE WITH KUBA GASIEWSKI02.12.2018 – 07.12.2018
Did you ever wonder it takes you so long to get planning? Are you tired of everybody blasting faster than you? Maybe a bit more confidence and efficiency with your waterstart would do you good? Is the carving jibe still on the list of your dreams? Join our Freeride Xperience with Kuba and get those all questions blown away with the wind. Experience Kuba´s unique teaching style and methods.

ION CLUB FREERIDE XPERIENCE EVENT TARIFA WITH CHRIS ZIAJA 16.03. – 18.03.2018
For all of you able to waterstart and looking forward to improving their Windsurfing skills together with a group of likeminded people, this Freeride Camp is just ideal!

FUERTEVENTURA XPERIENCE EVENT WITH TOM BRENDT 11.07. – 18.07.2018
For the fourth time in a row, the Windsurf Xperience Event Fuerte is taking place together with pro coach Tom Brendt. The main focus will be on Freeride and it is designed for anyone who is into professional coaching delivered in an entertaining and varied manner, and no longer regards themselves as a beginner. Success is guaranteed.

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/ionclub_xperience_tarifa_2_preview-2.jpeg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/ionclub_xperience_tarifa_2_preview-2.jpegIndo Vibes with Kai Bateshttp://www.fanatic.com/indo-vibes-with-kai-bates/
Watch Kai Bates chasing some swells in Indo – Balian, Medawi and Cungu. Balian is really fun to surf with a SUP as it´s a easy break with an left and right peak. After he went to Legian around Cungu to check out some secret spots. Fun times there on the water combined with some local healthy food, yoga and massages made it the perfect trip to get ready for the Australian Titles!

Credit: Ryder Ladkin

]]>Tue, 23 Jan 2018 13:50:58 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=43973

Watch Kai Bates chasing some swells in Indo – Balian, Medawi and Cungu. Balian is really fun to surf with a SUP as it´s a easy break with an left and right peak. After he went to Legian around Cungu to check out some secret spots. Fun times there on the water combined with some local healthy food, yoga and massages made it the perfect trip to get ready for the Australian Titles!

Credit: Ryder Ladkin

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/Bildschirmfoto-2018-01-23-um-14.28.44.png/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Bildschirmfoto-2018-01-23-um-14.28.44.pngPaulina Herpel taking out the Short Track SUP Masters!http://www.fanatic.com/paulina-herpel-taking-out-the-short-track-sup-masters/
The first weekend of the Duesseldorf Boat Show is over! We are happy that Paulina Herpel finished 1st at the SUP Short Track Masters in front of Fiona Wylde – what a great achievement! Paulina also finished 3rd in the Waves, so double time on the podium for her.

Unfortunately last year´s Wave winner (and also this year´s favourite) Airton Cozzolino injured his foot while training on Friday afternoon and could not compete in the event:-( Just when he started to do 360´s again! Get better soon Airton – we hope you make it again to cold Germany next year!

Fanatic also had a booth again at the show with all the actual highlights. You can still stop by there in the next 7 days to check out our latest Strike and much more – hall 8a, booth E41!

]]>Mon, 22 Jan 2018 14:32:15 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=43951

The first weekend of the Duesseldorf Boat Show is over! We are happy that Paulina Herpel finished 1st at the SUP Short Track Masters in front of Fiona Wylde – what a great achievement! Paulina also finished 3rd in the Waves, so double time on the podium for her.

Unfortunately last year´s Wave winner (and also this year´s favourite) Airton Cozzolino injured his foot while training on Friday afternoon and could not compete in the event:-( Just when he started to do 360´s again! Get better soon Airton – we hope you make it again to cold Germany next year!

Fanatic also had a booth again at the show with all the actual highlights. You can still stop by there in the next 7 days to check out our latest Strike and much more – hall 8a, booth E41!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/6_598e709ae8.jpeg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/6_598e709ae8.jpegTom Auber wins the GlaGla SUP Race!http://www.fanatic.com/tom-auber-wins-glagla-sup-race/
Tom Auber wins the 2018 GlaGla Race in Annecy! Almost 500 competitors braved the freezing cold French Alps to produce one of the largest races our sport has ever seen. Tom claimed victory for the home nation after a frantic finish with Leo Nika. Italian Martino Rogai was just behind in third after pushing hard over the final kilometres, while Travis Grant had to settle for fourth place following a high-paced sprint to the line. The lead quartet stuck together for almost the entire 14km race, with Federico Esposito and Yanis Maire the only ones who could stay within shouting distance.

The GlaGla is officially one of the biggest races together with the Paris SUP Crossing. Well done Tom – what a great result!

Tom Auber wins the 2018 GlaGla Race in Annecy! Almost 500 competitors braved the freezing cold French Alps to produce one of the largest races our sport has ever seen. Tom claimed victory for the home nation after a frantic finish with Leo Nika. Italian Martino Rogai was just behind in third after pushing hard over the final kilometres, while Travis Grant had to settle for fourth place following a high-paced sprint to the line. The lead quartet stuck together for almost the entire 14km race, with Federico Esposito and Yanis Maire the only ones who could stay within shouting distance.

The GlaGla is officially one of the biggest races together with the Paris SUP Crossing. Well done Tom – what a great result!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/IMG_3059.jpeg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/IMG_3059.jpegLancelin Ocean Classic – Adam Lewis 2nd!http://www.fanatic.com/lancelin-ocean-classic-adam-lewis-2nd/
Another great Lancelin Ocean Classic event in West Australia is over! Kicking off with the Wave Events Friday and the New Beach Run event Saturday, followed by the famous Marathon from Ledge to Lancelin!

Another great Lancelin Ocean Classic event in West Australia is over! Kicking off with the Wave Events Friday and the New Beach Run event Saturday, followed by the famous Marathon from Ledge to Lancelin!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/26805355_1599114770155260_8767672541850309590_n.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/26805355_1599114770155260_8767672541850309590_n.jpgIn The Spotlight – Marco Langhttp://www.fanatic.com/in-the-spotlight-marco-lang/
Today we like to feature our Slalom booster Marco Lang in our “In The Spotlight” series! Marco had never won an elimination before this past season, but that all changed on the 2017 PWA event on Sylt as he claimed two highly impressive victories and finished 1st for the event and 7th for the season! Read hereafter what Marco is up to.

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
It was a super tough and long season, but definitely a year to remember! I will never forget some very special moments. Reviewing the season I need to say that I started it at my worst and ended it at my best!
Just a few weeks before the season started I had a quite bad injury in my shoulder and no doctor could tell me if I would be fit enough to compete in Asia. The first PWA event in Korea was ok, I qualified for the winners final but unfortunately we were not able to finish this Single Elimination, so no official result. Only a few weeks later we had the next PWA event in Japan, which was full of disasters! We did only one elimination where I hit some seaweed. I was not able to qualify for the next heat and ended in 41th place. During the following events in Costa Brava, Fuerteventura and Denmark I eventually showed a solid performance, which made me feel confident again. And then Sylt! It was the biggest success in my career and my first victory ever! I made it from place 41 to the top 10 within one season and finished 7th in the PWA Slalom ranking! I definitely will never forget this event in my whole life.

Highs and Lows?
Just before the new season took off I injured my shoulder and needed a short break, so that was not a good start. The best moment was definitely winning the biggest and most important event of the year on Sylt – it still feels a bit unreal!

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I didn´t change anything. For me the training schedule I follow feels right and I can see lots of improvement, so I will keep it that way. The TWS Slalom Training on Tenerife helps me a lot to prepare for the upcoming season!

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
I love all kind of sizes of the Falcon range, but the 136 is my absolute favourite as I won the Sylt event on this weapon!

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
The most important is to love what you do. Passion is essential but not the only thing, you really need to believe in yourself. Keep on fighting and never stop even if it´s starting to hurt.

Who do you credit as part of your success?
Definitely my family. They always keep my back free and support me in any situation. My grandfather was the one who taught me windsurfing – without him I would have never started this fabulous sport and would not be where I am today!

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I don´t plan long term. My focus is on my windsurfing career. I do have a lot of goals and I will fight to reach them! Windsurfing is my biggest passion and this will never change, that´s why I would like to work in the Windsurfing Industry after my windsurfing career.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
Racing against my two team mates Jordy Vonk and Pierre Mortefon in a rental car.

Turns or airs?
Turns, I absolutely love that feeling to carve in the snow or to make turns in the water/on the waves.

Home or Hawaii?
Sailing at my home spot is always the best for me and gives me new energy and power for the upcoming events and travelling around the world.

Thrusters or Quads?
For my weight I definitely prefer Thrusters so I keep planning in light winds and keeping up the speed!

High boom or low boom?
I am not the tallest, so I am using the middle boom position in most conditions.

Big winds or big waves?
Both are pretty awesome. Autumn is the best period of the year, when the first winter storms are on the way. When the weather report recommends you to stay in the house then it´s time to hit the water!

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I am very happy to be back on Tenerife with TWS. I will mainly focus on training in highwind conditions to get more confident in strong wind.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
The most important thing is to stay healthy and fit for over whole season. And getting better – keep on training!

Today we like to feature our Slalom booster Marco Lang in our “In The Spotlight” series! Marco had never won an elimination before this past season, but that all changed on the 2017 PWA event on Sylt as he claimed two highly impressive victories and finished 1st for the event and 7th for the season! Read hereafter what Marco is up to.

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
It was a super tough and long season, but definitely a year to remember! I will never forget some very special moments. Reviewing the season I need to say that I started it at my worst and ended it at my best!
Just a few weeks before the season started I had a quite bad injury in my shoulder and no doctor could tell me if I would be fit enough to compete in Asia. The first PWA event in Korea was ok, I qualified for the winners final but unfortunately we were not able to finish this Single Elimination, so no official result. Only a few weeks later we had the next PWA event in Japan, which was full of disasters! We did only one elimination where I hit some seaweed. I was not able to qualify for the next heat and ended in 41th place. During the following events in Costa Brava, Fuerteventura and Denmark I eventually showed a solid performance, which made me feel confident again. And then Sylt! It was the biggest success in my career and my first victory ever! I made it from place 41 to the top 10 within one season and finished 7th in the PWA Slalom ranking! I definitely will never forget this event in my whole life.

Highs and Lows?
Just before the new season took off I injured my shoulder and needed a short break, so that was not a good start. The best moment was definitely winning the biggest and most important event of the year on Sylt – it still feels a bit unreal!

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I didn´t change anything. For me the training schedule I follow feels right and I can see lots of improvement, so I will keep it that way. The TWS Slalom Training on Tenerife helps me a lot to prepare for the upcoming season!

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
I love all kind of sizes of the Falcon range, but the 136 is my absolute favourite as I won the Sylt event on this weapon!

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
The most important is to love what you do. Passion is essential but not the only thing, you really need to believe in yourself. Keep on fighting and never stop even if it´s starting to hurt.

Who do you credit as part of your success?
Definitely my family. They always keep my back free and support me in any situation. My grandfather was the one who taught me windsurfing – without him I would have never started this fabulous sport and would not be where I am today!

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I don´t plan long term. My focus is on my windsurfing career. I do have a lot of goals and I will fight to reach them! Windsurfing is my biggest passion and this will never change, that´s why I would like to work in the Windsurfing Industry after my windsurfing career.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
Racing against my two team mates Jordy Vonk and Pierre Mortefon in a rental car.

Turns or airs?
Turns, I absolutely love that feeling to carve in the snow or to make turns in the water/on the waves.

Home or Hawaii?
Sailing at my home spot is always the best for me and gives me new energy and power for the upcoming events and travelling around the world.

Thrusters or Quads?
For my weight I definitely prefer Thrusters so I keep planning in light winds and keeping up the speed!

High boom or low boom?
I am not the tallest, so I am using the middle boom position in most conditions.

Big winds or big waves?
Both are pretty awesome. Autumn is the best period of the year, when the first winter storms are on the way. When the weather report recommends you to stay in the house then it´s time to hit the water!

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I am very happy to be back on Tenerife with TWS. I will mainly focus on training in highwind conditions to get more confident in strong wind.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
The most important thing is to stay healthy and fit for over whole season. And getting better – keep on training!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/Thumb_Marco.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Thumb_Marco.jpgWindsurf Showcase in Cape Townhttp://www.fanatic.com/windsurf-showcase-in-cape-town-2/
The Windsurfing Showcase taking place last Saturday @ the Milnerton Aquatic Club in Cape Town organised by our South African importer The Brand Stable was a full success! Our team was there with lots of riders like Pierre Mortefon, Marion Mortefon, Jordy Vonk, Daniel Aeberli, Vincent Langer, Riccardo Marca, Adrien Bosson, Klaas Voget, Arthur Arutkin, Alice Arutkin, Victor Fernandez, Craig Gertenbach and many more local riders/opinion leaders! Visitors could get an insight about our products, tuning tips and of course got to see a great Slalom and Freestyle show!

Here are the results for the Slalom race, unfortunately the wind was not enough for the Freestyle contest, so our boys just put on a great Supersession show:-)

Thxs to all our riders for their input and The Brand Stable and Milnerton Aquatic Club for making this event happen!

]]>Mon, 15 Jan 2018 10:37:38 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=43715

The Windsurfing Showcase taking place last Saturday @ the Milnerton Aquatic Club in Cape Town organised by our South African importer The Brand Stable was a full success! Our team was there with lots of riders like Pierre Mortefon, Marion Mortefon, Jordy Vonk, Daniel Aeberli, Vincent Langer, Riccardo Marca, Adrien Bosson, Klaas Voget, Arthur Arutkin, Alice Arutkin, Victor Fernandez, Craig Gertenbach and many more local riders/opinion leaders! Visitors could get an insight about our products, tuning tips and of course got to see a great Slalom and Freestyle show!

Here are the results for the Slalom race, unfortunately the wind was not enough for the Freestyle contest, so our boys just put on a great Supersession show:-)

Thxs to all our riders for their input and The Brand Stable and Milnerton Aquatic Club for making this event happen!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/26855307_10155766225865255_1956212664_o.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/26855307_10155766225865255_1956212664_o.jpgFanatic @ Duesseldorf Boat Showhttp://www.fanatic.com/fanatic-duesseldorf-boat-show/
Next weekend our team will rip again @ “The Wave” contest during the Duesseldorf Boat show! Stop by to meet our riders including last years winner Airton Cozzolino as well Paulina Herpel, Kai Steimer, Valentin Illichmann and our latest team member Steven Bredow! On the second weekend Klaas Voget, Vincent Langer and Daniel Aeberli will be there to represent the brand. And Pascal Roesler from Pure Water for Generations will come to talk about his SUP Charity Trip from Munich to the Black Sea.

Fanatic will also be have a booth this year presenting their SUP and Windsurf ranges 2018. Visit us in hall 8a, booth E41. Our team will be happy to show you our latest highlights like the new Foils and Foil Edition boards, our brand new Strike Raceboard, our Diamond Girls range, our inflatable range, new paddles and much more!

Next weekend our team will rip again @ “The Wave” contest during the Duesseldorf Boat show! Stop by to meet our riders including last years winner Airton Cozzolino as well Paulina Herpel, Kai Steimer, Valentin Illichmann and our latest team member Steven Bredow! On the second weekend Klaas Voget, Vincent Langer and Daniel Aeberli will be there to represent the brand. And Pascal Roesler from Pure Water for Generations will come to talk about his SUP Charity Trip from Munich to the Black Sea.

Fanatic will also be have a booth this year presenting their SUP and Windsurf ranges 2018. Visit us in hall 8a, booth E41. Our team will be happy to show you our latest highlights like the new Foils and Foil Edition boards, our brand new Strike Raceboard, our Diamond Girls range, our inflatable range, new paddles and much more!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/FOTObyKLOTZI-27.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/FOTObyKLOTZI-27.jpgRaceweek in Soma Bay with Vincent Langer by Surf & Action Companyhttp://www.fanatic.com/raceweek-in-soma-bay-with-vincent-langer-by-surf-action-company/
Surf & Action Company has organised a Race Week with Vincent Langer from March 12th till 18th in Soma Bay/Peter Müller´s Surf Motion Center, which is one of the best windsurfing spots in Egypt with professional gear.

Following is included:
1. Training time for about 5 hours per day
2. Jibe and Race Jibe training
3. Start training4. Video analysis to improve your individual technique
5. Material science
6. Daily wake up sports like stretching and yoga7. Photoshoot for the participants

There will also be a Foil Test Session with our Fanatic foils.

The resort is located in the Palm Royal Beach Resort in Abu Soma. The 4-star oasis, beautifully situated in a bay, offers exclusive and generously equipped rooms as well as a huge pool area, wellness area with sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, massage and fitness center. You can also find numerous à-la-carte restaurants, cocktail lounge and various bars.

Surf & Action Company has organised a Race Week with Vincent Langer from March 12th till 18th in Soma Bay/Peter Müller´s Surf Motion Center, which is one of the best windsurfing spots in Egypt with professional gear.

Following is included:
1. Training time for about 5 hours per day
2. Jibe and Race Jibe training
3. Start training4. Video analysis to improve your individual technique
5. Material science
6. Daily wake up sports like stretching and yoga7. Photoshoot for the participants

There will also be a Foil Test Session with our Fanatic foils.

The resort is located in the Palm Royal Beach Resort in Abu Soma. The 4-star oasis, beautifully situated in a bay, offers exclusive and generously equipped rooms as well as a huge pool area, wellness area with sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, massage and fitness center. You can also find numerous à-la-carte restaurants, cocktail lounge and various bars.

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/Vincent_Falcon_TE_LS-RobinChristol-IMGL9056.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Vincent_Falcon_TE_LS-RobinChristol-IMGL9056.jpgIn The Spotlight – Christian Andersenhttp://www.fanatic.com/in-the-spotlight-christian-andersen/
Today we would like to feature the young talent Christian Andersen from Denmark in our “In The Spotlight” series. Christian came in our team with the age of 13 and keeps on growing. In 2017 he has showed some great results and for sure has the potential for more. Read hereafter what he is up to!

Let`s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
It`s been my best season so far! It has been awesome to try some of the events on the Euro Tour, APP, European Championship and the ISA World Championships which was one of the best events i have been to and then in my home country Denmark!

Highs and Lows?
One of the highs this year was to represent and be part of Team Denmark at the ISA World Championships. The biggest low was that I didn´t get the results that I wanted to at this event. But I always try to learn as much as possible from my mistakes and hopefully next time I can have a better race.

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
This year I followed a special training programme from Tiago Silva (functional paddling). It really helped me understand how my body works and how to train best to get the results I want to achieve.

What is your favorite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
I have been loving the Stylemaster lately, it`s just perfect for all kinds of conditions.
But the Falcon 12’6″×24.75″ is my absolute favourite for racing.

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in Stand Up Paddling and outside of the sport?
I have been looking up to a lot of the good Stand Up Paddle athletes, but in the last couple of years when I have been meeting, traveling, training and competing with them they feel more like friends. One of the other athletes I look up to is the swimmer Michael Phelps, it´s just amazing what he has done in his sport.

What advice would you give to young groms?
Have fun, enjoy what you do and never give up on your dreams! Every day on the water, is a good day on the water!

Who do you credit as part of your success?
I credit my family and friends as a big part of my success, they help and support me in anything I do. I also credit my sponsors for all the support, which helped me a lot.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I would like to keep travelling the world to compete in different events, it´s amazing to see so many different cultures and places around the world. One of my other goals is to win a world title. And if Stand Up Paddling makes it to the olympics, it would be a dream to be a part of that as well.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
There have been so many fun moments this year, I think one the funniest moments was when we finished the Red Bull Heavy Water event and everyone was telling crazy stories about that race. I am so proud I made it there!

Flatwater or waves?
WAVES!

Home or Hawaii?
Home. I haven´t been to Hawaii, but it seems like a nice place. The place where I live is called Cold Hawaii anyway:-)

Open Ocean or lake?
Open Ocean, it´s just always a different experience out there.

Big winds or big waves?
Big waves, the last couple of years I have tried to surf some bigger waves and it`s been really fun.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I wanna get stronger and in better shape than this year. I also want to improve my sprinting and downwind skills.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
I`m looking forward to everything and I think it´s gonna be a great year. But especially going to Brazil for the first time, where I will be competing in the ISA World Championships will be one oft he highlights!

Today we would like to feature the young talent Christian Andersen from Denmark in our “In The Spotlight” series. Christian came in our team with the age of 13 and keeps on growing. In 2017 he has showed some great results and for sure has the potential for more. Read hereafter what he is up to!

Let`s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
It`s been my best season so far! It has been awesome to try some of the events on the Euro Tour, APP, European Championship and the ISA World Championships which was one of the best events i have been to and then in my home country Denmark!

Highs and Lows?
One of the highs this year was to represent and be part of Team Denmark at the ISA World Championships. The biggest low was that I didn´t get the results that I wanted to at this event. But I always try to learn as much as possible from my mistakes and hopefully next time I can have a better race.

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
This year I followed a special training programme from Tiago Silva (functional paddling). It really helped me understand how my body works and how to train best to get the results I want to achieve.

What is your favorite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
I have been loving the Stylemaster lately, it`s just perfect for all kinds of conditions.
But the Falcon 12’6″×24.75″ is my absolute favourite for racing.

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in Stand Up Paddling and outside of the sport?
I have been looking up to a lot of the good Stand Up Paddle athletes, but in the last couple of years when I have been meeting, traveling, training and competing with them they feel more like friends. One of the other athletes I look up to is the swimmer Michael Phelps, it´s just amazing what he has done in his sport.

What advice would you give to young groms?
Have fun, enjoy what you do and never give up on your dreams! Every day on the water, is a good day on the water!

Who do you credit as part of your success?
I credit my family and friends as a big part of my success, they help and support me in anything I do. I also credit my sponsors for all the support, which helped me a lot.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I would like to keep travelling the world to compete in different events, it´s amazing to see so many different cultures and places around the world. One of my other goals is to win a world title. And if Stand Up Paddling makes it to the olympics, it would be a dream to be a part of that as well.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
There have been so many fun moments this year, I think one the funniest moments was when we finished the Red Bull Heavy Water event and everyone was telling crazy stories about that race. I am so proud I made it there!

Flatwater or waves?
WAVES!

Home or Hawaii?
Home. I haven´t been to Hawaii, but it seems like a nice place. The place where I live is called Cold Hawaii anyway:-)

Open Ocean or lake?
Open Ocean, it´s just always a different experience out there.

Big winds or big waves?
Big waves, the last couple of years I have tried to surf some bigger waves and it`s been really fun.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I wanna get stronger and in better shape than this year. I also want to improve my sprinting and downwind skills.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
I`m looking forward to everything and I think it´s gonna be a great year. But especially going to Brazil for the first time, where I will be competing in the ISA World Championships will be one oft he highlights!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2018/01/Thumb_Christian.jpeg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Thumb_Christian.jpegPWA Junior Slalom & Wave Contest with Victor Fernandezhttp://www.fanatic.com/pwa-junior-slalom-wave-contest-with-victor-fernandez-2/
Victor Fernandez had a very special week of competition last week celebrating the first PWA Youth World Cup & Spanish Championship of 2018. 38 juniors from 7 countries were competing in 3 categories – 62 riders in total! Congratulations to all the youngsters for the great level and passion for the sport and thxs to Victor for taking care of them!

Victor Fernandez had a very special week of competition last week celebrating the first PWA Youth World Cup & Spanish Championship of 2018. 38 juniors from 7 countries were competing in 3 categories – 62 riders in total! Congratulations to all the youngsters for the great level and passion for the sport and thxs to Victor for taking care of them!

Next up in our “In The Spotlight” feature is the PWA Wave Vice World Champ Victor Fernandez! Victor has been on the podium at every PWA event this season and even finished 1st on the last event on Sylt. He already won two World Titles in 2010 and 2016 and is the most consistent PWA Wave rider since many years, 6x Vice World Champ. Have fun reading!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
It´s being an incredible season for me. I did great in all events finishing on the podium in all of them and winning the last PWA event on Sylt so I´m very pleased with my season.

Highs and Lows?
I don´t see any lows, I gave my best in the events. I also had incredible trips as Cape Town, Portugal and Maui. My equipment works incredible, so it´s all amazing and I don´t see any reason to complain about anything.

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I think training during the winter season and taking care of myself outside the water makes a difference for me while I´m on tour. Like this I feel way more prepared and can focus more on the water.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
Definitely the Grip 82, this board is just pure fun in any kind of around conditions and it´s the perfect volume for my weight. But I am also a big fan of the Stubby which I always use when the conditions are not so perfect.

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
I have always looked at people like Jason Polakow, Robby Naish, Mark Angulo and many other big windsurfers. They were an inspiration for me and still are. Everyone has its great own style and they were inventing moves that I love to do and they are inspiring me to come to places like Maui what I was dreaming about when I was a kid.

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Never loose the fun and the hope, do it because you love it and share it with your friends. Be happy with what you do!

Who do you credit as part of your success?
All the people that helped me from the beginning until now. My parents, friends, sponsors and fans around the world. They are all part of it and I am very grateful for their support.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
Windsurfing is incredible, the new generation is coming really strong (looking at all those Pozo kids) and the level of the sport is unreal, so it will stay interesting for sure!

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
I had lots of fun on every event, but Sylt was incredible as there are so many people on the beach watching and a lot of things going on. This year was epic with wind & waves every day. Some hard conditions but funny moments in the shore break.

Turns or airs?
I like both but when I rather go for good turns, it´s just pure surfing.

Home or Hawaii?
Hard to say – 50/50! Maui feels almost like my second home.

Thrusters or Quads?
Grip as a Quad. Stubby as a Thruster – the perfect combo!

High boom or low boom?
Low boom.

Big winds or big waves?
A bit of both.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
A lot of good conditions, improve my jumping & wave move skills!

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
Good wind and waves and being healthy – the rest will come together.

Victor ist at home right now and will host the The first PWA Junior Championship of the year and first event of the Spanish Tour from January 2nd till 5th 2018 at the Victor Fernandez Center with Wave & Slalom disciplines.

Next up in our “In The Spotlight” feature is the PWA Wave Vice World Champ Victor Fernandez! Victor has been on the podium at every PWA event this season and even finished 1st on the last event on Sylt. He already won two World Titles in 2010 and 2016 and is the most consistent PWA Wave rider since many years, 6x Vice World Champ. Have fun reading!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
It´s being an incredible season for me. I did great in all events finishing on the podium in all of them and winning the last PWA event on Sylt so I´m very pleased with my season.

Highs and Lows?
I don´t see any lows, I gave my best in the events. I also had incredible trips as Cape Town, Portugal and Maui. My equipment works incredible, so it´s all amazing and I don´t see any reason to complain about anything.

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
I think training during the winter season and taking care of myself outside the water makes a difference for me while I´m on tour. Like this I feel way more prepared and can focus more on the water.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
Definitely the Grip 82, this board is just pure fun in any kind of around conditions and it´s the perfect volume for my weight. But I am also a big fan of the Stubby which I always use when the conditions are not so perfect.

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
I have always looked at people like Jason Polakow, Robby Naish, Mark Angulo and many other big windsurfers. They were an inspiration for me and still are. Everyone has its great own style and they were inventing moves that I love to do and they are inspiring me to come to places like Maui what I was dreaming about when I was a kid.

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Never loose the fun and the hope, do it because you love it and share it with your friends. Be happy with what you do!

Who do you credit as part of your success?
All the people that helped me from the beginning until now. My parents, friends, sponsors and fans around the world. They are all part of it and I am very grateful for their support.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
Windsurfing is incredible, the new generation is coming really strong (looking at all those Pozo kids) and the level of the sport is unreal, so it will stay interesting for sure!

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
I had lots of fun on every event, but Sylt was incredible as there are so many people on the beach watching and a lot of things going on. This year was epic with wind & waves every day. Some hard conditions but funny moments in the shore break.

Turns or airs?
I like both but when I rather go for good turns, it´s just pure surfing.

Home or Hawaii?
Hard to say – 50/50! Maui feels almost like my second home.

Thrusters or Quads?
Grip as a Quad. Stubby as a Thruster – the perfect combo!

High boom or low boom?
Low boom.

Big winds or big waves?
A bit of both.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
A lot of good conditions, improve my jumping & wave move skills!

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
Good wind and waves and being healthy – the rest will come together.

Victor ist at home right now and will host the The first PWA Junior Championship of the year and first event of the Spanish Tour from January 2nd till 5th 2018 at the Victor Fernandez Center with Wave & Slalom disciplines.

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/Thumb_Victor.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Thumb_Victor.jpgIn The Spotlight – Kai Bateshttp://www.fanatic.com/in-the-spotlight-kai-bates/
It´s this time of the year – the season is over and we would like to catch up with our riders to rewind their year and to hear what they are up to for 2018! We already featured some of the Windsurf riders, but today we set the spot on Kai Bates from our SUP team! Have fun reading – some quite interesting stuff in there. Stay tuned for more:-)

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
It was a slow start to 2017, but the contest off in Hawaii was pretty good, it threw me a little in the deep end after a summer of not much swell in Australia. But I couldn’t think of a better start combining that with the Noosa event in Australia and some swell in QLD then as well going to Indo, so it was a pretty good start altogether.

Highs and Lows?
Highs: I’m really happy that I was able to compete in the ISA Worlds for the first year of hopefully many. Going to Denmark to check that out as well as support and compete with the Australian team, a definite high. Lows: Probably twisting my knee surfing at home and not being able to compete in the State Championships right at my home break.

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference
I would have been nice to train more frequent in the lead up to the season as I had a lot of work on, but it was nice to take a break and reset. I was quite happy how the prep went before 2017.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
My 7’1” ProWave prototype, it’s too small for most users at 68 litres but for my weight it feels perfect. I have won both Australian titles on the same shape and I think I will have that 7’1” in my quiver forever.

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in Stand Up Paddling and outside of the sport?
A lot of the similar age guys that are in Stand up Surfing – all of the guys from Hawaii, Brazil to America and over to Europe. Really love breaking down the other surfing clips but I also like surfing with the other competitors and friends, it really pushes me when I’m out there with another really good SUP surfer. I also like to watch short boardriding clips as well it gets me excited to try and translate what they are doing on a wave onto a SUP.

What advice would you give to young groms?
When you are coming up in the industry as a SUP rider things can be difficult, a lot of surfers want to see you fail. But within the Stand Up Paddle community everyone is really nice and friendly, so probably don’t give up too fast and make friends where you can.

Who do you credit as part of your success?
My family for sure, if it wasn’t for their support and the opportuity as a form to try all kinds of sports and even have enough water time to progress I wouldn’t be doing what I am. As well as all my sponsors, Fanatic SUP and the whole Boards & More company – they really given me the trust, gear and the opportunity to take my career further.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I am really interested in the Foil aspect of SUP, however I still don’t own one but can´t wait to get my hands on one. It seems that´s where the hype is and I’m keen to be part of it. But in the future, I am not sure, I hope that in the Surfing one day there could be a professional World Tour at some world class waves to display the potential of the sport. For me I’m seriously motivated to work on videos and photos to share with everyone.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
Hanging out with the Australian team in Denmark for the ISA Worlds. Basically all the teams and crew there was funny and we all had some good laughs after SUP and Surf sessions.

Flatwater or waves?
Waves!

Home or Hawaii?
Home. I really love Hawaii, but there is no place like home and I think most would agree. We have had some good surf, wind and all sorts last couple of months as well so I cant complain.

Open Ocean or lake?
Both can be really fun for downwinding but I have always played in the ocean so I would have to say there as it feels more natural to me.

Big winds or big waves?
Big waves, the strong winds you cant escape and after about two weeks of wind you can go a little crazy (trust me I know) waves are escapable and so much fun.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I am always looking to improve my power, I’m only a light guy at 66kg and I like to know that I can do some big powerful turns. I have been working on this with some cycling, swimming and gym work to build my legs and feel stronger and more complete in my surfing for 2018.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
Winning a world title! As well I can´t wait to get some really good waves for filming. I always get so excited while editing, that´s something that really motivates me.

It´s this time of the year – the season is over and we would like to catch up with our riders to rewind their year and to hear what they are up to for 2018! We already featured some of the Windsurf riders, but today we set the spot on Kai Bates from our SUP team! Have fun reading – some quite interesting stuff in there. Stay tuned for more:-)

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
It was a slow start to 2017, but the contest off in Hawaii was pretty good, it threw me a little in the deep end after a summer of not much swell in Australia. But I couldn’t think of a better start combining that with the Noosa event in Australia and some swell in QLD then as well going to Indo, so it was a pretty good start altogether.

Highs and Lows?
Highs: I’m really happy that I was able to compete in the ISA Worlds for the first year of hopefully many. Going to Denmark to check that out as well as support and compete with the Australian team, a definite high. Lows: Probably twisting my knee surfing at home and not being able to compete in the State Championships right at my home break.

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference
I would have been nice to train more frequent in the lead up to the season as I had a lot of work on, but it was nice to take a break and reset. I was quite happy how the prep went before 2017.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
My 7’1” ProWave prototype, it’s too small for most users at 68 litres but for my weight it feels perfect. I have won both Australian titles on the same shape and I think I will have that 7’1” in my quiver forever.

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in Stand Up Paddling and outside of the sport?
A lot of the similar age guys that are in Stand up Surfing – all of the guys from Hawaii, Brazil to America and over to Europe. Really love breaking down the other surfing clips but I also like surfing with the other competitors and friends, it really pushes me when I’m out there with another really good SUP surfer. I also like to watch short boardriding clips as well it gets me excited to try and translate what they are doing on a wave onto a SUP.

What advice would you give to young groms?
When you are coming up in the industry as a SUP rider things can be difficult, a lot of surfers want to see you fail. But within the Stand Up Paddle community everyone is really nice and friendly, so probably don’t give up too fast and make friends where you can.

Who do you credit as part of your success?
My family for sure, if it wasn’t for their support and the opportuity as a form to try all kinds of sports and even have enough water time to progress I wouldn’t be doing what I am. As well as all my sponsors, Fanatic SUP and the whole Boards & More company – they really given me the trust, gear and the opportunity to take my career further.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I am really interested in the Foil aspect of SUP, however I still don’t own one but can´t wait to get my hands on one. It seems that´s where the hype is and I’m keen to be part of it. But in the future, I am not sure, I hope that in the Surfing one day there could be a professional World Tour at some world class waves to display the potential of the sport. For me I’m seriously motivated to work on videos and photos to share with everyone.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
Hanging out with the Australian team in Denmark for the ISA Worlds. Basically all the teams and crew there was funny and we all had some good laughs after SUP and Surf sessions.

Flatwater or waves?
Waves!

Home or Hawaii?
Home. I really love Hawaii, but there is no place like home and I think most would agree. We have had some good surf, wind and all sorts last couple of months as well so I cant complain.

Open Ocean or lake?
Both can be really fun for downwinding but I have always played in the ocean so I would have to say there as it feels more natural to me.

Big winds or big waves?
Big waves, the strong winds you cant escape and after about two weeks of wind you can go a little crazy (trust me I know) waves are escapable and so much fun.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I am always looking to improve my power, I’m only a light guy at 66kg and I like to know that I can do some big powerful turns. I have been working on this with some cycling, swimming and gym work to build my legs and feel stronger and more complete in my surfing for 2018.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
Winning a world title! As well I can´t wait to get some really good waves for filming. I always get so excited while editing, that´s something that really motivates me.

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/Thumb_Kai_Bates.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Thumb_Kai_Bates.jpgWin One Week of free Gear @ TWShttp://www.fanatic.com/win-one-week-of-free-gear-tws/
The new website from Tenerife Windsurf Solution with lots of info about the spots, accommodations and gear is online! Each visitor can join a Lucky Draw where they give away two packages of six days high end gear rental with the 2018 Slalom gear from Fanatic and NorthSails.

The new website from Tenerife Windsurf Solution with lots of info about the spots, accommodations and gear is online! Each visitor can join a Lucky Draw where they give away two packages of six days high end gear rental with the 2018 Slalom gear from Fanatic and NorthSails.

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/F18_FBW_TWS.jpeg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/F18_FBW_TWS.jpegThomas Oschwald exploring Finland in Winter – Part 1http://www.fanatic.com/happiness-is-a-choice-thomas-oschwald-exploring-finland/
Thomas Oschwald just came back from an amazing paddle journey to Finland. This time his goal was not a special desination but to find out how long he can stand the cold and loneliness. Uncompromising immersion in nature and the examination of the elements shaped this journey and made it a real challenge. After three weeks he discovered something special: Happiness!

Garbed with his North Face gear and his Exped expedition equipment on his Ray Air Premium Thomas experienced a beautiful, solitary, wintry adventure with visual promise that will stun your system into bliss!

Here is the first part of the video footage he gathered during this outstanding adventure – stay tuned for more:-)

]]>Wed, 20 Dec 2017 08:00:31 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=43304

Thomas Oschwald just came back from an amazing paddle journey to Finland. This time his goal was not a special desination but to find out how long he can stand the cold and loneliness. Uncompromising immersion in nature and the examination of the elements shaped this journey and made it a real challenge. After three weeks he discovered something special: Happiness!

Garbed with his North Face gear and his Exped expedition equipment on his Ray Air Premium Thomas experienced a beautiful, solitary, wintry adventure with visual promise that will stun your system into bliss!

Here is the first part of the video footage he gathered during this outstanding adventure – stay tuned for more:-)

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/24176636_10210665316164646_1236142364360231040_n.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/24176636_10210665316164646_1236142364360231040_n.jpgPaddling The Summithttp://www.fanatic.com/paddling-the-summit/
Fanatic riders Paulina Herpel, Valentin Illichmann and Nicolas Fayol recently paddled the highest mountain lake of the Pyreenes in France – 2000 meters above the sea level. The hike to this lake took them more than 4 hours but looks like it was definitely worth the effort!
]]>Wed, 20 Dec 2017 08:22:04 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=43399

Fanatic riders Paulina Herpel, Valentin Illichmann and Nicolas Fayol recently paddled the highest mountain lake of the Pyreenes in France – 2000 meters above the sea level. The hike to this lake took them more than 4 hours but looks like it was definitely worth the effort!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/Bildschirmfoto-2017-12-19-um-21.07.16.png/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Bildschirmfoto-2017-12-19-um-21.07.16.pngWindsurf Showcase in Cape Townhttp://www.fanatic.com/windsurf-showcase-in-cape-town/
If you are around Cape Town in January – this event is not to miss! The Milnerton Aquatic Club in Cape Town will be organising a WINDSURFING SHOWCASE with lots of Fanatic riders like Jordy Vonk, Daniel Aeberli, Vincent Langer, Gollito Estredo, Riccardo Marca, Adrien Bosson, Klaas Voget, Arthur Arutkin, Victor Fernandez, Craig Gertenbach and many more!

If you are around Cape Town in January – this event is not to miss! The Milnerton Aquatic Club in Cape Town will be organising a WINDSURFING SHOWCASE with lots of Fanatic riders like Jordy Vonk, Daniel Aeberli, Vincent Langer, Gollito Estredo, Riccardo Marca, Adrien Bosson, Klaas Voget, Arthur Arutkin, Victor Fernandez, Craig Gertenbach and many more!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/F18_CT_Showcase_v12.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/F18_CT_Showcase_v12.jpgSUPing in Winter Wonderlandhttp://www.fanatic.com/suping-in-winter-wonderland/
It’s winter in Germany. Especially in the Alps there’s a lot of snow and the temperatures are freezing. The nature that is revealed by this season is amazing and with the right equipment you will be totally fine, so there’s absolutely no reason not to go Stand Up Paddleboarding in winter.

Anja Moerk from @girls_on_sups is telling us about her last adventure here:

“Some tourists are passing by as I am unpacking my inflatable SUP board in the parking area next to lake Eibsee in Bavaria. Some of them are smiling and asking questions, some are staring and shaking their heads while others are just ignoring me (most probably because they think I’m totally nuts). Well, Stand Up Paddling in winter is not for everyone. For me, however it is a wonderful thing to do.

I’m trying not to slip on the icy ground as I am carrying my board along the lakefront to the little spot where I can access the water. Lake Eibsee is lying in front of me like a huge mirror. My heart is jumping when I do my first paddle strokes along the lakeside. It’s the perfect winter wonderland: Ice crystals on the rocks, the beautiful old fir trees all covered by snow and the sun slowly crawling up behind Germany’s highest mountain Zugspitze. My breath is visible in the ice-cold air.

I am paddling about half a mile, before I’m turning around for the first time. The view is so stunning, it’s taking my breath away. The massive mountain, the lakeside with the trees covered by snow – all perfectly mirrored in the glassy lake. While so many people wouldn’t go Stand Up Paddling in freezing temperature for a lot of money, I just feel so blessed doing my passion in winter as well.

If you want to go exploring in winter, too, there are several things you need to consider:

The right outfit is a Drysuit with some layers of functional clothing underneath, waterproof socks and thick neoprene boots, a scarf to warm your neck, a beanie and maybe waterproof gloves. You should also wear a safety buoy you can inflate when something happened to your board. Always think of the worst case when you prepare your trip: What would happen if I fall? Would I be able to get back on my board within seconds? Would I be able to reach a warm spot (like the car) quickly? (…and so on). Most important: Do not overestimate yourself. You should be fit, an experienced paddler and a good swimmer. I never paddle alone in winter to make sure somebody could help me when something unpredictable happens – and I recommend the same to you. Wear a leash, so you don’t lose your board if you fall. Take some warm tea and something to eat with you on board. If you realize, you didn’t dress warm enough and you start to feel cold, get back on land and come back for another tour with the right outfit. Do not put yourself in danger at any time.

I know, this is a lot to think of, but it’s definitely worth it. You will see things most people will never see in their entire lives. You will feel peace and freedom like you never did. And finally you will see so many funny faces when you are back with a big smile on your face, trying to roll up your frozen SUP board after your trip. Winter paddling – yes or no? Oh hell, YES!”

Anja Moerk is a German SUP blogger (www.suplife.blog). She lives in Munich, Germany and paddles waters in Bavaria and around the globe with her friend Julia. See more pictures on Instagram: @girls_on_sups

Thxs Anja and Julia for living your passion and letting us take part with all tyour stunning shots!

]]>Mon, 18 Dec 2017 10:03:57 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=43344

It’s winter in Germany. Especially in the Alps there’s a lot of snow and the temperatures are freezing. The nature that is revealed by this season is amazing and with the right equipment you will be totally fine, so there’s absolutely no reason not to go Stand Up Paddleboarding in winter.

Anja Moerk from @girls_on_sups is telling us about her last adventure here:

“Some tourists are passing by as I am unpacking my inflatable SUP board in the parking area next to lake Eibsee in Bavaria. Some of them are smiling and asking questions, some are staring and shaking their heads while others are just ignoring me (most probably because they think I’m totally nuts). Well, Stand Up Paddling in winter is not for everyone. For me, however it is a wonderful thing to do.

I’m trying not to slip on the icy ground as I am carrying my board along the lakefront to the little spot where I can access the water. Lake Eibsee is lying in front of me like a huge mirror. My heart is jumping when I do my first paddle strokes along the lakeside. It’s the perfect winter wonderland: Ice crystals on the rocks, the beautiful old fir trees all covered by snow and the sun slowly crawling up behind Germany’s highest mountain Zugspitze. My breath is visible in the ice-cold air.

I am paddling about half a mile, before I’m turning around for the first time. The view is so stunning, it’s taking my breath away. The massive mountain, the lakeside with the trees covered by snow – all perfectly mirrored in the glassy lake. While so many people wouldn’t go Stand Up Paddling in freezing temperature for a lot of money, I just feel so blessed doing my passion in winter as well.

If you want to go exploring in winter, too, there are several things you need to consider:

The right outfit is a Drysuit with some layers of functional clothing underneath, waterproof socks and thick neoprene boots, a scarf to warm your neck, a beanie and maybe waterproof gloves. You should also wear a safety buoy you can inflate when something happened to your board. Always think of the worst case when you prepare your trip: What would happen if I fall? Would I be able to get back on my board within seconds? Would I be able to reach a warm spot (like the car) quickly? (…and so on). Most important: Do not overestimate yourself. You should be fit, an experienced paddler and a good swimmer. I never paddle alone in winter to make sure somebody could help me when something unpredictable happens – and I recommend the same to you. Wear a leash, so you don’t lose your board if you fall. Take some warm tea and something to eat with you on board. If you realize, you didn’t dress warm enough and you start to feel cold, get back on land and come back for another tour with the right outfit. Do not put yourself in danger at any time.

I know, this is a lot to think of, but it’s definitely worth it. You will see things most people will never see in their entire lives. You will feel peace and freedom like you never did. And finally you will see so many funny faces when you are back with a big smile on your face, trying to roll up your frozen SUP board after your trip. Winter paddling – yes or no? Oh hell, YES!”

Anja Moerk is a German SUP blogger (www.suplife.blog). She lives in Munich, Germany and paddles waters in Bavaria and around the globe with her friend Julia. See more pictures on Instagram: @girls_on_sups

Thxs Anja and Julia for living your passion and letting us take part with all tyour stunning shots!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/Foto-17.11.17-22-53-24.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Foto-17.11.17-22-53-24.jpgTom Auber joins the International SUP Teamhttp://www.fanatic.com/tom-auber-joins-the-international-sup-team/
We are happy to announce that Tom Auber from Team Fanatic SUP France will join the International SUP Team from January onwards! Tom has proven his skills during the last year (he just finished 4th in the Paris SUP Crossing) and showed us that he has the potential for something bigger! With Tom we have another young and motivated waterman in the team – looking forward to watch him go in 2018!

Erwan Bordier, Fanatic France: “Tom is one of these windsurfers who found his strength in Stand UP Paddling, which is allowing him to express himself at high level with tenacity and humility. He is probably one of the best in his age category (18) out there right now. Tom started his carreer in Le Havre in the Normandy and Stan Sobzic, boss of the shop Sport Max figured out pretty fast that this small discreet young person has a lot of talent. That´s why Fanatic France decided to support him since a few years already. In 2017 he has showed us excellent results on international level as well. I am very happy and proud to see him stepping up to the next level by entering the International Fanatic SUP Team. Bravo Tom!”

Tom Auber: “I am super stoked to join the International SUP Team for the next season! I have been practicing SUP racing on a Fanatic board since my first strokes and also did my first competitions with Fanatic. And now – thanks to Erwan, Craig and all the Fanatic crew. I am going to take part at the biggest international races in order to represent the brand, so let’s train harder, get stronger in order to put the Fanatic logo on top of the podiums!”

We are happy to announce that Tom Auber from Team Fanatic SUP France will join the International SUP Team from January onwards! Tom has proven his skills during the last year (he just finished 4th in the Paris SUP Crossing) and showed us that he has the potential for something bigger! With Tom we have another young and motivated waterman in the team – looking forward to watch him go in 2018!

Erwan Bordier, Fanatic France: “Tom is one of these windsurfers who found his strength in Stand UP Paddling, which is allowing him to express himself at high level with tenacity and humility. He is probably one of the best in his age category (18) out there right now. Tom started his carreer in Le Havre in the Normandy and Stan Sobzic, boss of the shop Sport Max figured out pretty fast that this small discreet young person has a lot of talent. That´s why Fanatic France decided to support him since a few years already. In 2017 he has showed us excellent results on international level as well. I am very happy and proud to see him stepping up to the next level by entering the International Fanatic SUP Team. Bravo Tom!”

Tom Auber: “I am super stoked to join the International SUP Team for the next season! I have been practicing SUP racing on a Fanatic board since my first strokes and also did my first competitions with Fanatic. And now – thanks to Erwan, Craig and all the Fanatic crew. I am going to take part at the biggest international races in order to represent the brand, so let’s train harder, get stronger in order to put the Fanatic logo on top of the podiums!”

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/Tom-Auber-plage.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Tom-Auber-plage.jpgIn The Spotlight – Pierre Mortefonhttp://www.fanatic.com/in-the-spotlight-pierre-mortefon/
In The Spotlight today: Slalom rocket Pierre Mortefon!Pierro finished the year on the podium with 3rd in Slalom but definitely has potential for more. Read hereafter what he he is up to!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
One more intense year all around the world! It was not the easiest one, we had some difficult events in Asia starting the year in May. Then we had a really nice competition in Costa Brava with good winds. Fuerteventura was like always one of the best event with solid conditions. I had the biggest crash of my life there in one of the finals when I was ridden over Taty. The image was strong and was not easy to back from it. We were lucky in Denmark as we raced almost everyday. I had some technical issues on Sylt, breaking my fins during the race. New Caledonia was perfect to end the year with great event in this little paradise. I am super happy and proud to keep going and stayed focus on my goals. The podium is a really a good compensarion for all the effort I made suring the season and for keeping the head high all around the year!

Highs and Lows?Winning races in nuclear winds of Fuerteventura & fighting to be back on the podium in Nouméa.
Lows: Hardest crash ever on Fuerteventura & difficult conditions in Asia.

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
No I didn’t really change too much in my training routine. I spent a lot of time on the water in combination with a solid physic preparation. It’s working well but I identified some aspects I should work on during the upcoming winter. Year after year, my experience is increasing and I am now able to find the solutions much quicker than before!

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
The Falcon 99 is definitely one of my best boards. It’s my weapon for strong wind and those hard conditions I really like!

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
There is lot of sailors from which you can get inspirations. For example Victor is super professional and he is just doing everything possible from his site to reach his goal. In France I am lucky to train also with some athletes from different sport sand I am trying to make the most out of what I learn from them for my carreer.

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Most important is to have fun windsurfing. Always! Then prepare your future before investing 200% in the sport. It’s not easy and it will not always be fun. You have to be ready to work a lot, and live through some difficult situations. But if you believe in yourself you can achieve it!

Who do you credit as part of your success?
Not really sure to be honest. Lots of people helped me during my career – from physical trainer to my sister or my father. He is always there for me when I am asking him some advice and never pushed me for any special decision. I think that´s why I always went for the right decision.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
From now my plan is clearly to focus on minimum 5 years at the highest level, I really want this world title! But if it’s possible I want to continue until I am 40. We are lucky to have this opportunity in our sport because experience is very important. Then I would like to continue working in the windsurfing world or maybe work for a different sport, but sport is for sure most important in my life.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
After the Fuerte event we were shooting some action while racing against a jetski. We were faster and the driver could not believe it! Watching his face was so funny!

Turns or airs?
Turns! Nothing is better than a nice curve in wave… But I am also in love with flying high on my Slalom kit.

Home or Hawaii?
Not easy… Hawai is certainly one of the best places for windsurfing, but I am lucky to live in South of France where it´s always super windy. Since I am not so often at home during the summer months, I really like to enjoy every moment there!

Thrusters or Quads?
Thrusters , I like to be the fastest even when I am wavesailing!

High boom or low boom?
Mid Boom! It’s funny but it’s almost the place where I fix it most of the time!

Big winds or big waves?
Definitely both! I love big wave because it make you so small in front of the nature and I like feeling the power of the sea. But I grow up on strong wind, blowing in my window and curving the tree, it’s a part of me!

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I cannot give all my secrets here:-) My plan is to arrive in 2018 more confident and also to have more respect from the other riders. I will continue to train hard on my speed and classic skill but I will also try to develop some technics to be able to face some attacks!

In The Spotlight today: Slalom rocket Pierre Mortefon!Pierro finished the year on the podium with 3rd in Slalom but definitely has potential for more. Read hereafter what he he is up to!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
One more intense year all around the world! It was not the easiest one, we had some difficult events in Asia starting the year in May. Then we had a really nice competition in Costa Brava with good winds. Fuerteventura was like always one of the best event with solid conditions. I had the biggest crash of my life there in one of the finals when I was ridden over Taty. The image was strong and was not easy to back from it. We were lucky in Denmark as we raced almost everyday. I had some technical issues on Sylt, breaking my fins during the race. New Caledonia was perfect to end the year with great event in this little paradise. I am super happy and proud to keep going and stayed focus on my goals. The podium is a really a good compensarion for all the effort I made suring the season and for keeping the head high all around the year!

Highs and Lows?Winning races in nuclear winds of Fuerteventura & fighting to be back on the podium in Nouméa.
Lows: Hardest crash ever on Fuerteventura & difficult conditions in Asia.

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
No I didn’t really change too much in my training routine. I spent a lot of time on the water in combination with a solid physic preparation. It’s working well but I identified some aspects I should work on during the upcoming winter. Year after year, my experience is increasing and I am now able to find the solutions much quicker than before!

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
The Falcon 99 is definitely one of my best boards. It’s my weapon for strong wind and those hard conditions I really like!

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
There is lot of sailors from which you can get inspirations. For example Victor is super professional and he is just doing everything possible from his site to reach his goal. In France I am lucky to train also with some athletes from different sport sand I am trying to make the most out of what I learn from them for my carreer.

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Most important is to have fun windsurfing. Always! Then prepare your future before investing 200% in the sport. It’s not easy and it will not always be fun. You have to be ready to work a lot, and live through some difficult situations. But if you believe in yourself you can achieve it!

Who do you credit as part of your success?
Not really sure to be honest. Lots of people helped me during my career – from physical trainer to my sister or my father. He is always there for me when I am asking him some advice and never pushed me for any special decision. I think that´s why I always went for the right decision.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
From now my plan is clearly to focus on minimum 5 years at the highest level, I really want this world title! But if it’s possible I want to continue until I am 40. We are lucky to have this opportunity in our sport because experience is very important. Then I would like to continue working in the windsurfing world or maybe work for a different sport, but sport is for sure most important in my life.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
After the Fuerte event we were shooting some action while racing against a jetski. We were faster and the driver could not believe it! Watching his face was so funny!

Turns or airs?
Turns! Nothing is better than a nice curve in wave… But I am also in love with flying high on my Slalom kit.

Home or Hawaii?
Not easy… Hawai is certainly one of the best places for windsurfing, but I am lucky to live in South of France where it´s always super windy. Since I am not so often at home during the summer months, I really like to enjoy every moment there!

Thrusters or Quads?
Thrusters , I like to be the fastest even when I am wavesailing!

High boom or low boom?
Mid Boom! It’s funny but it’s almost the place where I fix it most of the time!

Big winds or big waves?
Definitely both! I love big wave because it make you so small in front of the nature and I like feeling the power of the sea. But I grow up on strong wind, blowing in my window and curving the tree, it’s a part of me!

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I cannot give all my secrets here:-) My plan is to arrive in 2018 more confident and also to have more respect from the other riders. I will continue to train hard on my speed and classic skill but I will also try to develop some technics to be able to face some attacks!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/Thumb_Pierre.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Thumb_Pierre.jpgMalte Reuscher (GER-7777) joins Team Fanatichttp://www.fanatic.com/malte-reuscher-ger-7777-joins-team-fanatic/
We are happy to announce that from January onwards, Top World Cup rider Malte Reuscher will be jibing with red Fanatic rockets around the buoys!

Malte comes from a real Slalom family, Windsurfing runs through his veins. His mum came to Elba Island in the mid 80´s for holidays and fell in love with his father and windsurfing at the same time. He was born in Hamburg/Germany but grew up in Elba/Italy – his own little paradise. His dad was a windsurfing instructor, later his mother followed his footsteps so Malte started windsurfing a the age of 5 years already. From that day he knew what he wants to do in his life. He spent every day on the water. From 2015 professional windsurfing became his job, his biggest passion and love.

We have catched up with Malte on his gear change:

Why Fanatic?
The Falcons are performing very well and that´s most important when you do competitions. I also quite like the team, it´s a good spirit and they act like a real little family. Another reason is that the R&D between product manager Daniel Aeberli and the riders is working very well and I am looking forward to be part of this.

Did you get a chance to try the boards and which models?
Yes I did try the Falcon range and the boards definitely perform really well – I can´t wait to compete with them!

What do you think of your new team mates like Pierre Mortefon, Marco Lang and Jordy Vonk?
Marco is a good friend since a few years already and we are also training together. I also get along with the others and for sure will train a lot with my Italian team mate Max Loncrini at Lake Garda.

Which events are you planning for 2018:
I will do the complete PWA Tour (Slalom and Foiling) as well as German Windsurf Cup.

Fanatic Product Manager Daniel Aeberli: “Malte is a great personality and very professional. I am really looking forward to test the new prototypes with him and in the future. We will definitely profit a lot from his knowledge and racing skills.”

We are happy to announce that from January onwards, Top World Cup rider Malte Reuscher will be jibing with red Fanatic rockets around the buoys!

Malte comes from a real Slalom family, Windsurfing runs through his veins. His mum came to Elba Island in the mid 80´s for holidays and fell in love with his father and windsurfing at the same time. He was born in Hamburg/Germany but grew up in Elba/Italy – his own little paradise. His dad was a windsurfing instructor, later his mother followed his footsteps so Malte started windsurfing a the age of 5 years already. From that day he knew what he wants to do in his life. He spent every day on the water. From 2015 professional windsurfing became his job, his biggest passion and love.

We have catched up with Malte on his gear change:

Why Fanatic?
The Falcons are performing very well and that´s most important when you do competitions. I also quite like the team, it´s a good spirit and they act like a real little family. Another reason is that the R&D between product manager Daniel Aeberli and the riders is working very well and I am looking forward to be part of this.

Did you get a chance to try the boards and which models?
Yes I did try the Falcon range and the boards definitely perform really well – I can´t wait to compete with them!

What do you think of your new team mates like Pierre Mortefon, Marco Lang and Jordy Vonk?
Marco is a good friend since a few years already and we are also training together. I also get along with the others and for sure will train a lot with my Italian team mate Max Loncrini at Lake Garda.

Which events are you planning for 2018:
I will do the complete PWA Tour (Slalom and Foiling) as well as German Windsurf Cup.

Fanatic Product Manager Daniel Aeberli: “Malte is a great personality and very professional. I am really looking forward to test the new prototypes with him and in the future. We will definitely profit a lot from his knowledge and racing skills.”

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/Malte_BB9Q1336_JohnCarter.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Malte_BB9Q1336_JohnCarter.jpgIn The Spotlight – Alessio Stillrichhttp://www.fanatic.com/in-the-spotlight-alessio-stillrich/
It´s this time of the year again. The PWA seaon is over and we would like to catch up with our riders to rewind their year and to hear what they are up to for 2018!

We start with Alessio Stillrich, who had his best PWA season ever finishing 9th for the year! Have fun reading – some quite interesting stuff in there. Stay tuned for more:-)

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
The beginning of 2017 has been amazing as I travelled to Cape Town in the beginning of January. In March it was time to fly to Maui for the photoshoot and I did enjoy hat trip so much! I learned a lot as every year such as sailing a lot in different spots and also competing. The PWA season did not start too well but I am happy everything turned out great – now I am motivated for more!

Highs and Lows?
The worst part was definitely my result in Pozo. Especially since it it my home spot, it was like a smash into my face. Fortunately the best part came shortly after that as I managed to get my best result to date in the PWA stop on Tenerife. This helped me a lot to leave all the frustration and insecurity behind me and to reset my mind. From then on I realised that I can do it!

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
Honestly I just tried to work on my style, to be more constant and to stick a bigger percentage of all the moves. Yes definitely, I think that constancy is one of the most important factors while comepting.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
My absolute favorite is the 82 Grip! It is the perfect wave all-round board as it works good in on- and offshore wind plus I am able to sail it from 3.0 up to 5.0m2!

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
I have actually always looked up to my team mate Victor Fernandez. His high and consistent level in all kind of conditions plus his nice and friendly personality always made me look up to him. Outside the industry it is a bit more difficult to say. Maybe Cristiano Ronaldo because of his hunger for victory and the hard work he makes every day to be the best. Nevertheless I admit that his personality is improvable!

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Some years ago my mom always told me to have a second option in case the professional career as windsurfer doesn’t work out as planned. Even if I just agreed with her on that in 50% now that I am a bit more mature and responsable I completely agree with her. I also think it is important to not create too much pressure on yourselve in the beginning, everything will come with time and experience.

Who do you credit as part of your success?
I would say my motivation and the way I enjoy our sport. I never get tired of sailing and every minute on the water is pure joy for me. I think this is one of the most important things, to have fun while training and “working”. I think I also have some talent and this obviously helps, but talent is nothing without work J.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
For now I am happy to make it in to the Top 10 and I hope to be able to stay there for the rest of my career. Nevertheless my big dream is to get to the top and I will be working hard the next years to reach this goal.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
When my car stopped working one hour before one of my heats in Tenerife. Actually it was not too funny in that moment but luckily I made it to the beach on time with a taxi.

Turns or airs?
Now that I am turning better and better I would say turns! It feels absolutely amazing to nail a good turn.

Home or Hawaii?
I think home is always the best, but I enjoy Maui more and more every time I go there!

Thrusters or Quads?
I have always been more the Quad guy.

High boom or low boom?
Low boom.

Big winds or big waves?
What can I say as Pozo local – big winds of couse!

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I expect to prepare myself in the best way to be able to continue growing as windsurfer and competitor. I want to focus on bettering up my waveriding skills, my constancy and my starboartack sailing.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
I hope to have another great seaon in 2018. This year has been amazing but I guess and hope that the next one will be even better. I hope to have a lot of fun travelling, training, hooking up with my team mates, friends, seeing new places and to be successful on the PWA tour! I start the year again with a trip to Cape Town – looking forward to it already!

Thxs a lot Alessio – looking forward to meeting you in Cape Town soon!

It´s this time of the year again. The PWA seaon is over and we would like to catch up with our riders to rewind their year and to hear what they are up to for 2018!

We start with Alessio Stillrich, who had his best PWA season ever finishing 9th for the year! Have fun reading – some quite interesting stuff in there. Stay tuned for more:-)

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
The beginning of 2017 has been amazing as I travelled to Cape Town in the beginning of January. In March it was time to fly to Maui for the photoshoot and I did enjoy hat trip so much! I learned a lot as every year such as sailing a lot in different spots and also competing. The PWA season did not start too well but I am happy everything turned out great – now I am motivated for more!

Highs and Lows?
The worst part was definitely my result in Pozo. Especially since it it my home spot, it was like a smash into my face. Fortunately the best part came shortly after that as I managed to get my best result to date in the PWA stop on Tenerife. This helped me a lot to leave all the frustration and insecurity behind me and to reset my mind. From then on I realised that I can do it!

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference?
Honestly I just tried to work on my style, to be more constant and to stick a bigger percentage of all the moves. Yes definitely, I think that constancy is one of the most important factors while comepting.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
My absolute favorite is the 82 Grip! It is the perfect wave all-round board as it works good in on- and offshore wind plus I am able to sail it from 3.0 up to 5.0m2!

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in windsurfing and outside of the sport?
I have actually always looked up to my team mate Victor Fernandez. His high and consistent level in all kind of conditions plus his nice and friendly personality always made me look up to him. Outside the industry it is a bit more difficult to say. Maybe Cristiano Ronaldo because of his hunger for victory and the hard work he makes every day to be the best. Nevertheless I admit that his personality is improvable!

What advice would you give to young groms looking to follow in your footsteps?
Some years ago my mom always told me to have a second option in case the professional career as windsurfer doesn’t work out as planned. Even if I just agreed with her on that in 50% now that I am a bit more mature and responsable I completely agree with her. I also think it is important to not create too much pressure on yourselve in the beginning, everything will come with time and experience.

Who do you credit as part of your success?
I would say my motivation and the way I enjoy our sport. I never get tired of sailing and every minute on the water is pure joy for me. I think this is one of the most important things, to have fun while training and “working”. I think I also have some talent and this obviously helps, but talent is nothing without work J.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
For now I am happy to make it in to the Top 10 and I hope to be able to stay there for the rest of my career. Nevertheless my big dream is to get to the top and I will be working hard the next years to reach this goal.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
When my car stopped working one hour before one of my heats in Tenerife. Actually it was not too funny in that moment but luckily I made it to the beach on time with a taxi.

Turns or airs?
Now that I am turning better and better I would say turns! It feels absolutely amazing to nail a good turn.

Home or Hawaii?
I think home is always the best, but I enjoy Maui more and more every time I go there!

Thrusters or Quads?
I have always been more the Quad guy.

High boom or low boom?
Low boom.

Big winds or big waves?
What can I say as Pozo local – big winds of couse!

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
I expect to prepare myself in the best way to be able to continue growing as windsurfer and competitor. I want to focus on bettering up my waveriding skills, my constancy and my starboartack sailing.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018?
I hope to have another great seaon in 2018. This year has been amazing but I guess and hope that the next one will be even better. I hope to have a lot of fun travelling, training, hooking up with my team mates, friends, seeing new places and to be successful on the PWA tour! I start the year again with a trip to Cape Town – looking forward to it already!

Thxs a lot Alessio – looking forward to meeting you in Cape Town soon!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/Thumb_Alessio.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Thumb_Alessio.jpgNautic SUP Paris Crossing: Arthur Arutkin 1st & Tom Auber 4th!http://www.fanatic.com/nautic-sup-paris-crossing-arthur-arutkin-1st-tom-auber-4th/
What a race in Paris yesterday morning – big congrats to Arthur Arutkin for finishing 1st and Tom Auber in 4th as well as the other racers who finished the race in this very cold conditions.

With 700 Stand Up Paddlers on the start line (and another 600 on the waiting list), the Paris Crossing is by far the world’s largest SUP race. The organisers have been upping the entries by a hundred each year with an eye of having 1000 participants in 2020. It’s like a fun run on water. Conditions were freezing cold and probably most of the competitors could not feel their feet during the race. Arthur was leading the pack together with Bruno Hasulyo and Casper Steinfath but in the last 100 meters he catched up full power to take the title – so cool to see! Well done Arthur & Tom!

What a race in Paris yesterday morning – big congrats to Arthur Arutkin for finishing 1st and Tom Auber in 4th as well as the other racers who finished the race in this very cold conditions.

With 700 Stand Up Paddlers on the start line (and another 600 on the waiting list), the Paris Crossing is by far the world’s largest SUP race. The organisers have been upping the entries by a hundred each year with an eye of having 1000 participants in 2020. It’s like a fun run on water. Conditions were freezing cold and probably most of the competitors could not feel their feet during the race. Arthur was leading the pack together with Bruno Hasulyo and Casper Steinfath but in the last 100 meters he catched up full power to take the title – so cool to see! Well done Arthur & Tom!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/12/20748229_1346717908770246_8072535512406980800_o.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/20748229_1346717908770246_8072535512406980800_o.jpgPWA Junior Slalom & Wave Contest with Victor Fernandezhttp://www.fanatic.com/pwa-junior-slalom-wave-contest-with-victor-fernandez/
Juniors get ready! The first PWA Junior Championship of the year and first event of the Spanish Tour will take place from January 2nd till 5th 2018 at the Victor Fernandez Center with Wave & Slalom disciplines. Victor is happy to welcome everybody @ his home spot Almerimar-El Ejido!

A great chance for all upcoming talents to get some tips and tricks from the current Wave Vice Champ in person, so don´t miss it!

Juniors get ready! The first PWA Junior Championship of the year and first event of the Spanish Tour will take place from January 2nd till 5th 2018 at the Victor Fernandez Center with Wave & Slalom disciplines. Victor is happy to welcome everybody @ his home spot Almerimar-El Ejido!

A great chance for all upcoming talents to get some tips and tricks from the current Wave Vice Champ in person, so don´t miss it!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/11/24067927_10155701074545731_4918573382405310001_n.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/24067927_10155701074545731_4918573382405310001_n.jpgNoumea PWA Slalom Cup & Overall 2017: Pierre Mortefon & Marion Mortefon 3rd!http://www.fanatic.com/noumea-pwa-slalom-cup-overall-2017-pierre-mortefon-marion-mortefon-3rd/
The PWA World Cup in New Caledonia is over and we scored two podium places for the event and for the 2017 season! Noumea is known not only for its incredible beauty and world class marine life but also for its reliable trade winds and they certainly didn’t disappoint with 6 eliminations for the men, 8 eliminations for the women and 9 foil eliminations completed over the duration of the week to provide a fitting end to the season. After five fairly solid windy days in a row, Marion Mortefon breaks into the overall top 3 for the first time in her career – after earning her 3rd podium finish of the year! Pierre Mortefon was back to his deadly best in New Caledonia as he closed to within just 1.6 points of the event lead heading into the final day. Unfortunately, the wind didn’t play ball, but Pierro won’t be too disappointed with that as his excellent 3rd place here sees him pip Ross Williams to the final place on the overall podium by just 10 points.

Marco Lang was on fire again as well and finished 4th in the event and 7th for the year – his best season ever so far and this is only the beginning of his career:-) And last but not least Jordy Vonk ended 13th in the event and is ranked 11th for the season, not far away from the Top Ten! In the Foil Elimination we do have a podoum position as well with Thomas Goyard in 3rd.

The PWA World Cup in New Caledonia is over and we scored two podium places for the event and for the 2017 season! Noumea is known not only for its incredible beauty and world class marine life but also for its reliable trade winds and they certainly didn’t disappoint with 6 eliminations for the men, 8 eliminations for the women and 9 foil eliminations completed over the duration of the week to provide a fitting end to the season. After five fairly solid windy days in a row, Marion Mortefon breaks into the overall top 3 for the first time in her career – after earning her 3rd podium finish of the year! Pierre Mortefon was back to his deadly best in New Caledonia as he closed to within just 1.6 points of the event lead heading into the final day. Unfortunately, the wind didn’t play ball, but Pierro won’t be too disappointed with that as his excellent 3rd place here sees him pip Ross Williams to the final place on the overall podium by just 10 points.

Marco Lang was on fire again as well and finished 4th in the event and 7th for the year – his best season ever so far and this is only the beginning of his career:-) And last but not least Jordy Vonk ended 13th in the event and is ranked 11th for the season, not far away from the Top Ten! In the Foil Elimination we do have a podoum position as well with Thomas Goyard in 3rd.

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/11/24059422_10156153572600166_4376795667044774800_o.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/24059422_10156153572600166_4376795667044774800_o.jpgFANATIC WINDSURFING CAMPS 2018http://www.fanatic.com/fanatic-windsurfing-camps-2018/
The 2018 Fanatic Windsurfing Camp dates with Tom Brendt are out! Tom´s camps are just perfect to redeem yourself, raise your game and radically improve your windsurfing level. Choose between lots of different camps (mainly at top FBC destinations) which cover all needs, aspirations, levels and conditions. Learn from the best in an unforgettable and very addictive experience that will change the way you look at windsurfing forever!

The 2018 season will kick off at El Yaque Beach in the Caribbean, followed by the Wave Specials at Magic FBC Moulay and the three Camps at FBC Lanzarote. Then Fuerteventura and Kos. The dates for our 2018 autumn camps will follow – stay tuned!

The 2018 Fanatic Windsurfing Camp dates with Tom Brendt are out! Tom´s camps are just perfect to redeem yourself, raise your game and radically improve your windsurfing level. Choose between lots of different camps (mainly at top FBC destinations) which cover all needs, aspirations, levels and conditions. Learn from the best in an unforgettable and very addictive experience that will change the way you look at windsurfing forever!

The 2018 season will kick off at El Yaque Beach in the Caribbean, followed by the Wave Specials at Magic FBC Moulay and the three Camps at FBC Lanzarote. Then Fuerteventura and Kos. The dates for our 2018 autumn camps will follow – stay tuned!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/11/Wave-Special-02-2017-by-Tom-Brendt-Foto-TB-136_preview.jpeg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Wave-Special-02-2017-by-Tom-Brendt-Foto-TB-136_preview.jpegWINDSURF- AND KITE CLINIC WITH GOLLITO ESTREDOhttp://www.fanatic.com/windsurf-and-kite-clinic-with-gollito-estredo/
Join Gollito Estredo in one of the most picture postcard destination for his to improve your Windsurfing and Kiteboarding? From March 17th till 25th 2017 Gollito Estredo will be hosting a Windsurf- and Kite Clinic in the paradise of Los Roques/Venezuela. This is an opportunity not to miss plus you also get to have a holiday in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Up to Gollito, Los Roques is one of the places you must to go before you die! So if you are planning your next holidays – this date should be on the list! Hurry up, space is very limited:-)

Join Gollito Estredo in one of the most picture postcard destination for his to improve your Windsurfing and Kiteboarding? From March 17th till 25th 2017 Gollito Estredo will be hosting a Windsurf- and Kite Clinic in the paradise of Los Roques/Venezuela. This is an opportunity not to miss plus you also get to have a holiday in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Up to Gollito, Los Roques is one of the places you must to go before you die! So if you are planning your next holidays – this date should be on the list! Hurry up, space is very limited:-)

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/11/23899496_929170507235629_1361193731_n-1.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/23899496_929170507235629_1361193731_n-1.jpgRedBull Paddle Session with Arthur Arutkinhttp://www.fanatic.com/redbull-paddle-session-with-arthur-arutkin/
Back from the Red Bull Heavy Water Event in California with an excellent 7th place, Arthur Arutkin just organised a SUP clinic for young people in collaboration with Red Bull and Fanatic France close to his home spot Wissant. The clinic took place on Saturday, November 18th, at the Wimereux Nautical Center and Sunday, November 19th on the Deûle at the Citadel of Lille. Two days of full programme with motivated youngsters, who were able to benefit from Arthur’s professional advice and participate in an exceptional training with him and his Coach Greg Closier. Erwan Bordier from Fanatic France was present as well to provide the boards for the competitors and represent the brand.

Twenty participants were selected for each day of the clinic. The conditions were pretty tough with 20 – 25 knots wind from the west, rain and only 10 degrees on Saturday in Wimereux, however some sun on Sunday in Lille.

The clinic was a great opportunity for the selected participants to get deeper into the sport and maybe even enter the competotion scene. Arthur and his team were able to supply all essential aspects of the professional practice of Stand Up Paddling first hand!

Pics: Fotoride & RED BULL/Paul Foulonneau‌

]]>Tue, 21 Nov 2017 13:14:05 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=42940

Back from the Red Bull Heavy Water Event in California with an excellent 7th place, Arthur Arutkin just organised a SUP clinic for young people in collaboration with Red Bull and Fanatic France close to his home spot Wissant. The clinic took place on Saturday, November 18th, at the Wimereux Nautical Center and Sunday, November 19th on the Deûle at the Citadel of Lille. Two days of full programme with motivated youngsters, who were able to benefit from Arthur’s professional advice and participate in an exceptional training with him and his Coach Greg Closier. Erwan Bordier from Fanatic France was present as well to provide the boards for the competitors and represent the brand.

Twenty participants were selected for each day of the clinic. The conditions were pretty tough with 20 – 25 knots wind from the west, rain and only 10 degrees on Saturday in Wimereux, however some sun on Sunday in Lille.

The clinic was a great opportunity for the selected participants to get deeper into the sport and maybe even enter the competotion scene. Arthur and his team were able to supply all essential aspects of the professional practice of Stand Up Paddling first hand!

Pics: Fotoride & RED BULL/Paul Foulonneau‌

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/11/Redbull-Camp-Arthur-193cv.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Redbull-Camp-Arthur-193cv.jpgTWS PRO SLALOM TRAINING 2018http://www.fanatic.com/tws-pro-slalom-training-2018/
Once more TWS Windsurf Solution Tenerife stocked up its center with all the 2018 high end Slalom boards from Fanatic plus matching sails from NorthSails!

Over the last three years the TWS Pro Slalom Training has showed its strength in being one of the best winter trainings around. A lot of PWA- and IFCA riders who joined the trainings have improved their level which resulted in higher year rankings. For the 2018 winter we are organizing the trainings again and we have made it even better and more versatile.

The 2018 season will start on the 2nd of January and ends on the 9th of April. This year we are bringing the trainings to the next level by offering you the best training facilities available. We will conduct 4 training days per week and create several groups so everybody can race against challenging competitors. This year we will expand our trainings with flat water days, foil race trainings and we might end the trainings in April with the IFCA European Championships Slalom!

El Medano offers choppy conditions, flat-water, nice wave conditions with strong and sometimes gusty winds. This combined with the nice and relaxed atmosphere in town, many restaurants and bars and our fully equipped windsurf center we are proud to offer you the most complete training package available.

During film shoots for promotional reasons we discovered a really nice flat water spot up north at the new industrial harbor. We will add this nice place to our training grounds and go there several times when conditions are suited. Transport will be provided.

Over the last two years foil-racing has become more popular and it already became a new discipline on the PWA Tour. We will conduct the foil race trainings on the less windy days so we are always able to do 4 training sessions per week.

Once more TWS Windsurf Solution Tenerife stocked up its center with all the 2018 high end Slalom boards from Fanatic plus matching sails from NorthSails!

Over the last three years the TWS Pro Slalom Training has showed its strength in being one of the best winter trainings around. A lot of PWA- and IFCA riders who joined the trainings have improved their level which resulted in higher year rankings. For the 2018 winter we are organizing the trainings again and we have made it even better and more versatile.

The 2018 season will start on the 2nd of January and ends on the 9th of April. This year we are bringing the trainings to the next level by offering you the best training facilities available. We will conduct 4 training days per week and create several groups so everybody can race against challenging competitors. This year we will expand our trainings with flat water days, foil race trainings and we might end the trainings in April with the IFCA European Championships Slalom!

El Medano offers choppy conditions, flat-water, nice wave conditions with strong and sometimes gusty winds. This combined with the nice and relaxed atmosphere in town, many restaurants and bars and our fully equipped windsurf center we are proud to offer you the most complete training package available.

During film shoots for promotional reasons we discovered a really nice flat water spot up north at the new industrial harbor. We will add this nice place to our training grounds and go there several times when conditions are suited. Transport will be provided.

Over the last two years foil-racing has become more popular and it already became a new discipline on the PWA Tour. We will conduct the foil race trainings on the less windy days so we are always able to do 4 training sessions per week.

The new Stubby Foil Edition adds another dimension to our parallel rail shape. Fly above any ripple or dig your rails deep in a clean wall – you decide on the setup you ride! Our Stubby Foil Edition comes in the same shape
as our Stubby LTD and offers the same easy and controlled flow if you decide to ride your regular Thruster fins. Once you change to Foil, our Stubby Foil Edition – available in 7’10“ and 8’7″ – creates a whole new dynamic.

Our Flow S1 Wave Foil opens up a whole new world of riding waves. Catch barely breaking swell or fly over slower sections with power and speed! The Foil S1 outperforms the conditions every time! The Stubby Foil Edition can also be ridden as a windsurfing foil board, with footstrap inserts, mast track included, to make the ultimate allround watersports toy.

The Stubby Foil Edition with the FlowS1 Setup has all the options to Fly – whether with a paddle or a windsurfing sail in your hands.

We are happy to announce that our new Stubby Foil Edition and Foil SUP S1 are now online!

The new Stubby Foil Edition adds another dimension to our parallel rail shape. Fly above any ripple or dig your rails deep in a clean wall – you decide on the setup you ride! Our Stubby Foil Edition comes in the same shape
as our Stubby LTD and offers the same easy and controlled flow if you decide to ride your regular Thruster fins. Once you change to Foil, our Stubby Foil Edition – available in 7’10“ and 8’7″ – creates a whole new dynamic.

Our Flow S1 Wave Foil opens up a whole new world of riding waves. Catch barely breaking swell or fly over slower sections with power and speed! The Foil S1 outperforms the conditions every time! The Stubby Foil Edition can also be ridden as a windsurfing foil board, with footstrap inserts, mast track included, to make the ultimate allround watersports toy.

The Stubby Foil Edition with the FlowS1 Setup has all the options to Fly – whether with a paddle or a windsurfing sail in your hands.

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/10/F18_FBW_SUP_Product_Stubby_Foil_2.jpeg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/F18_FBW_SUP_Product_Stubby_Foil_2.jpegOut Now: Windsurf Foil Flow H9!http://www.fanatic.com/out-now-windsurf-foil-h9/
We are happy to announce that our new Windsurf Foil H9 is now online!

Our entry level Flow H9 Foil brings new and exciting sensations to the amazing sport of windsurfing. With a high specification aluminium mast, it’s strong and extra stable with a solid Deep Tuttle connection to prevent bending. It works perfectly in combination with the Gecko Foil Edition we already launched earlier this year, as well as the Falcon Lightwind 159 or the Blast 130 & 145 models.

Our entry level Flow H9 Foil brings new and exciting sensations to the amazing sport of windsurfing. With a high specification aluminium mast, it’s strong and extra stable with a solid Deep Tuttle connection to prevent bending. It works perfectly in combination with the Gecko Foil Edition we already launched earlier this year, as well as the Falcon Lightwind 159 or the Blast 130 & 145 models.

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/10/F18_FBW_Product_FlowH9.jpeg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/F18_FBW_Product_FlowH9.jpegArthur Arutkin & Christian Andersen @ Red Bull Heavy Waterhttp://www.fanatic.com/arthur-arutkin-christian-andersen-finished-the-red-bull-heavy-water-event/
The Red Bull Heavy Water event in San Francisco clearly showcased what the event is about, as the Bay Area delivered a XXL swell to challenge the very best paddlers in the world in a way they have never been challenged before. Out of the top 30 registered riders, only 19 eventually joined the race and 14 reached the finish in this radical conditions.

Fanatic´s Arthur Arutkin and young Christian Andersen both finished this ultimate challenge! Arthur has long been a major threat on tour, and is also one of the most consistent racers in the game. Somehow he remains somewhat under the radar, but his performances speak for themselves. In this year’s Red Bull Heavy Water, he once again propelled himself to 7th place in the race, and secured 5th place overall at the end of the season on the APP World Tour – an incredible achievement by the young French talent. Christian is new to the tour and with only 16 years of age he was very brave to finish the race in 13th place. Well done boys and well done to Casper Steinfath for taking the title!

The Red Bull Heavy Water event in San Francisco clearly showcased what the event is about, as the Bay Area delivered a XXL swell to challenge the very best paddlers in the world in a way they have never been challenged before. Out of the top 30 registered riders, only 19 eventually joined the race and 14 reached the finish in this radical conditions.

Fanatic´s Arthur Arutkin and young Christian Andersen both finished this ultimate challenge! Arthur has long been a major threat on tour, and is also one of the most consistent racers in the game. Somehow he remains somewhat under the radar, but his performances speak for themselves. In this year’s Red Bull Heavy Water, he once again propelled himself to 7th place in the race, and secured 5th place overall at the end of the season on the APP World Tour – an incredible achievement by the young French talent. Christian is new to the tour and with only 16 years of age he was very brave to finish the race in 13th place. Well done boys and well done to Casper Steinfath for taking the title!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/10/22730586_123479161659900_4643174540371638944_n.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/22730586_123479161659900_4643174540371638944_n.jpgAdam Lewis takes the Tiree Wave Classic Win!http://www.fanatic.com/adam-lewis-takes-the-tiree-wave-classic-win/
The Tiree Wave Classic is the longest running professional windsurfing event in the world and took place from October 14th till 21st. It was founded in 1986 and has run to the present day. It showcases the best of the UK’s windsurfing talent across a number of fleets ranging from Juniors to World Cup Professional Windsurfers. Stoked that Adam Lewis finished 1st in the Men’s Pro in very tough conditions – well done there!

Adam Lewis: “Wow, so so happy to take the Tiree Wave Classic win. It was such an epic event with a bit of everything conditions wise, we had howling port tack thanks to Hurricane Orphilia and some amazing Starboard tack down the line too. I pretty much used the production 82 Stubby the whole time, its such an insane board, handling everything you can throw at it with ease. We had wind everyday but that not what makes the Wave Classic such a great event, with international pro’s all the way down to the next up and coming Juniors with Masters, Ams and Women all the mix. Its the people and the atmosphere that make it so great and its just a pleasure to be part of it!”

The Tiree Wave Classic is the longest running professional windsurfing event in the world and took place from October 14th till 21st. It was founded in 1986 and has run to the present day. It showcases the best of the UK’s windsurfing talent across a number of fleets ranging from Juniors to World Cup Professional Windsurfers. Stoked that Adam Lewis finished 1st in the Men’s Pro in very tough conditions – well done there!

Adam Lewis: “Wow, so so happy to take the Tiree Wave Classic win. It was such an epic event with a bit of everything conditions wise, we had howling port tack thanks to Hurricane Orphilia and some amazing Starboard tack down the line too. I pretty much used the production 82 Stubby the whole time, its such an insane board, handling everything you can throw at it with ease. We had wind everyday but that not what makes the Wave Classic such a great event, with international pro’s all the way down to the next up and coming Juniors with Masters, Ams and Women all the mix. Its the people and the atmosphere that make it so great and its just a pleasure to be part of it!”

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/10/22552700_1983949078516694_6201914017686384124_n.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/22552700_1983949078516694_6201914017686384124_n.jpgWAVEBOARD TEST GRIP & STUBBY GERMAN SURF 11-12 2017http://www.fanatic.com/waveboard-test-grip-stubby-german-surf-11-12-2017/
Our Grip and Stubby boards have made a sensational appearance in the Waveboard test of German surf magazine! The Grip got full scores in the categories “Big Wave” and „North Sea” and did not have any flaws at all! Conclusion: “A big winner for Fanatic! The grip scores with performance, control and a perfect mix of easy and radical surfing while approaching a big target group.” Also the Stubby scored full points in the category North Sea and was recommended for its planing and jump characteristics. Conclusion “An all-rounder for small and medium-sized waves and therefore a tip for all windsurfers who shred to 95% of the North Sea and Baltic Sea.”

Thxs surf magazine – no better proof for the performance of those tow boards!

]]>Tue, 24 Oct 2017 14:04:54 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=42363

Our Grip and Stubby boards have made a sensational appearance in the Waveboard test of German surf magazine! The Grip got full scores in the categories “Big Wave” and „North Sea” and did not have any flaws at all! Conclusion: “A big winner for Fanatic! The grip scores with performance, control and a perfect mix of easy and radical surfing while approaching a big target group.” Also the Stubby scored full points in the category North Sea and was recommended for its planing and jump characteristics. Conclusion “An all-rounder for small and medium-sized waves and therefore a tip for all windsurfers who shred to 95% of the North Sea and Baltic Sea.”

Thxs surf magazine – no better proof for the performance of those tow boards!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/10/Alessio_Klaas_Grip_Stubby_LS_ION-FishBowlDiaries-_PAV5094.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Alessio_Klaas_Grip_Stubby_LS_ION-FishBowlDiaries-_PAV5094.jpgGreat Results @ German surf Magazine Surveyhttp://www.fanatic.com/great-results-german-surf-magazine-survey-2/
Fanatic did very well at the German surf magazine survey 2017! Almost 3.200 readers have joined the survey we are very proud that to be positioned as number one in each category:

– Last purchased boards

– Purchase intent

– Most innovative brand

– Most likeable brand

– Good product design

– Good price/performance ratio

– High quality

– SUP ownership

– SUP purchase intent

Big Thanx to all the readers who took part here, what better proof can we get to be on the right track with what we are doing!

]]>Mon, 23 Oct 2017 11:18:35 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=42347

Fanatic did very well at the German surf magazine survey 2017! Almost 3.200 readers have joined the survey we are very proud that to be positioned as number one in each category:

– Last purchased boards

– Purchase intent

– Most innovative brand

– Most likeable brand

– Good product design

– Good price/performance ratio

– High quality

– SUP ownership

– SUP purchase intent

Big Thanx to all the readers who took part here, what better proof can we get to be on the right track with what we are doing!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/10/Bildschirmfoto-2017-10-23-um-10.32.21.png/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Bildschirmfoto-2017-10-23-um-10.32.21.pngFanatic PWA Champions 2017!http://www.fanatic.com/fanatic-pwa-champions-2017/
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sylt PWA World Cup certainly delivered with action on almost every single day. Over the course of the 10 days there was plenty of world class action and at the end of the event 3 new World Champions were crowned.

We are super happy that our King of Freestyle Gollito Estredo could defend his leadership and glances with an incredible 8th World Title! Gollito´s first win was in 2006, then 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and now Title number 8 – and all with Fanatic!

And Victor Fernandez is the Wave Vice World Champ 2017! Victor was in top shape during this week on Sylt showing once more that he is a real pro – not only on the water:-) Victor already won two World Titles in 2010 and 2016. He is the most consistent PWA Wave rider since many years, 5x Vice World Champ in the past and now number 6!

Congratulation boys – we salute your passion, determination, talent and a hunger to be the best. We know we have a great team but also a legacy of premium products built to win – the perfect combination!

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sylt PWA World Cup certainly delivered with action on almost every single day. Over the course of the 10 days there was plenty of world class action and at the end of the event 3 new World Champions were crowned.

We are super happy that our King of Freestyle Gollito Estredo could defend his leadership and glances with an incredible 8th World Title! Gollito´s first win was in 2006, then 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and now Title number 8 – and all with Fanatic!

And Victor Fernandez is the Wave Vice World Champ 2017! Victor was in top shape during this week on Sylt showing once more that he is a real pro – not only on the water:-) Victor already won two World Titles in 2010 and 2016. He is the most consistent PWA Wave rider since many years, 5x Vice World Champ in the past and now number 6!

Congratulation boys – we salute your passion, determination, talent and a hunger to be the best. We know we have a great team but also a legacy of premium products built to win – the perfect combination!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/10/F18_News_PWA_Champs.jpeg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/F18_News_PWA_Champs.jpegTriple victory @ the PWA event on Sylt!http://www.fanatic.com/triple-victory-on-sylt/
The World Cup Sylt is one of the biggest and longest running windsurfing events on the planet. Featuring all of the three main disciplines, 200,000 spectators on the beach, and some of the most extreme conditions. We are more than stoked to win all three titles there: Freestyle, Slalom and Waves!

Victor Fernandez was in top shape during the whole event and defeated Marcilio Browne in the final, which was held in solid starboard tack winds and decent waves. He connected with 4 frontside turns on one wave to earn 8 points and linked together a solid 6 point wave with his final ride. Victor finished first in the event and as Vice World Champion for the year! Also big congrats to Adam Lewis who is in 5th in the Wave event and for the year! Adam finishes the season with his best ever result on the world tour – 5th – after an extremely impressive and consistent year which saw him finish 7th, 5th and 5th. He has shown glimpses of brilliance in the past, but found a way to link it all together this year to scale new heights. And Alessio Stilrich in 9th:-)

Also the men’s Freestyle was completed in challenging conditions. Despite the tough conditions the contortionists of the windsurfing world put on a radical display to entertain the crowds, who had gathered in their thousands and in the end there was no denying Gollito Estredo an incredible 8th world title as he reinforces his reputation as the King of Freestyle! Gollito racked up the points with his usual style and flair and had to face Amado Vrieswijk in the final. Gollito once again not only demonstrated his world class execution of moves, but also that ruthless competitive instinct which makes him such a formidable competitor and he deservedly walks away with his 8th PWA Freestyle World Title!

And last but not least all credits to Marco Lang in the Slalom! Marco had never won an elimination before, but that all changed on Sylt as he claimed two highly impressive victories in both races completed. On both occasions, Marco led from start to finish with his blistering speed leaving his rivals in his wake. Marco was in fantastic form – so stoked for him! Also well done to Vincent Langer, who was competing in his first PWA event of the season finishing 2nd place behind Marco – and Jordy Vonk in 6th and 3rd in Foiling:-)

The World Cup Sylt is one of the biggest and longest running windsurfing events on the planet. Featuring all of the three main disciplines, 200,000 spectators on the beach, and some of the most extreme conditions. We are more than stoked to win all three titles there: Freestyle, Slalom and Waves!

Victor Fernandez was in top shape during the whole event and defeated Marcilio Browne in the final, which was held in solid starboard tack winds and decent waves. He connected with 4 frontside turns on one wave to earn 8 points and linked together a solid 6 point wave with his final ride. Victor finished first in the event and as Vice World Champion for the year! Also big congrats to Adam Lewis who is in 5th in the Wave event and for the year! Adam finishes the season with his best ever result on the world tour – 5th – after an extremely impressive and consistent year which saw him finish 7th, 5th and 5th. He has shown glimpses of brilliance in the past, but found a way to link it all together this year to scale new heights. And Alessio Stilrich in 9th:-)

Also the men’s Freestyle was completed in challenging conditions. Despite the tough conditions the contortionists of the windsurfing world put on a radical display to entertain the crowds, who had gathered in their thousands and in the end there was no denying Gollito Estredo an incredible 8th world title as he reinforces his reputation as the King of Freestyle! Gollito racked up the points with his usual style and flair and had to face Amado Vrieswijk in the final. Gollito once again not only demonstrated his world class execution of moves, but also that ruthless competitive instinct which makes him such a formidable competitor and he deservedly walks away with his 8th PWA Freestyle World Title!

And last but not least all credits to Marco Lang in the Slalom! Marco had never won an elimination before, but that all changed on Sylt as he claimed two highly impressive victories in both races completed. On both occasions, Marco led from start to finish with his blistering speed leaving his rivals in his wake. Marco was in fantastic form – so stoked for him! Also well done to Vincent Langer, who was competing in his first PWA event of the season finishing 2nd place behind Marco – and Jordy Vonk in 6th and 3rd in Foiling:-)

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/10/5W9A4687.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/5W9A4687.jpgSUP & YOGA Retreat with Sarah Hébert in Brazilhttp://www.fanatic.com/sup-yoga-retreat-with-sarah-hebert-in-brazil/
Fanatic SUP Yoga ambassador and team rider Sarah Hébert continues her sailing adventure with her family (@pousseparlevent) and invites you to join her on one of the stopovers of her journey: Brazil! Sarah will organise a SUP & Yoga Retreat in Tibau do Sul, Sossego Surfcamp, 80 km south of Natal with SUP Yoga sessions, SUP tours and Yoga every day. But also Mountain Biking, Capoeira, Horseriding, Hiking, Chilling at the beach, and great Cachaça Cocktails are on the programme! All in a beautiful setting between sea and estuary, or in the tropical garden of the Sossego Surf Camp. So this year, escape the winter to live 8 days and 7 nights to the rhythm of the forro!

This is included:

– Transfers Natal airport/Surf Camp

– 7 nights accommodation in double bungalow to share and a bungalow available until the evening at the time of your transfer

– All breakfasts and 6 dinners at Sossego Surf Camp

– Rental of SUP equipment

– 3 Yoga classes with the Sossego Surf Camp teacher

– 4 Hatha Flow courses with Sarah

– 4 SUP Yoga sessions with Sarah

– 3 SUP excursions on the river or on thesea with Sarah

– 1 Visualization Workshop and setting of its objectives for the new year

Fanatic SUP Yoga ambassador and team rider Sarah Hébert continues her sailing adventure with her family (@pousseparlevent) and invites you to join her on one of the stopovers of her journey: Brazil! Sarah will organise a SUP & Yoga Retreat in Tibau do Sul, Sossego Surfcamp, 80 km south of Natal with SUP Yoga sessions, SUP tours and Yoga every day. But also Mountain Biking, Capoeira, Horseriding, Hiking, Chilling at the beach, and great Cachaça Cocktails are on the programme! All in a beautiful setting between sea and estuary, or in the tropical garden of the Sossego Surf Camp. So this year, escape the winter to live 8 days and 7 nights to the rhythm of the forro!

This is included:

– Transfers Natal airport/Surf Camp

– 7 nights accommodation in double bungalow to share and a bungalow available until the evening at the time of your transfer

– All breakfasts and 6 dinners at Sossego Surf Camp

– Rental of SUP equipment

– 3 Yoga classes with the Sossego Surf Camp teacher

– 4 Hatha Flow courses with Sarah

– 4 SUP Yoga sessions with Sarah

– 3 SUP excursions on the river or on thesea with Sarah

– 1 Visualization Workshop and setting of its objectives for the new year

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/10/Retraite-SUP-YOGA-indice8.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Retraite-SUP-YOGA-indice8.jpgThomas Oschwald – The Polar Light Expedition Videohttp://www.fanatic.com/thomas-oschwald-the-polar-light-expedition-video/
Last winter Fanatic rider and extreme paddler Thomas Oschwald was in search of the polar light. He paddled alone and without any support on his Ray Air from Tromsø to the North Cape. Icy coldness, long nights and unknown waters challenged him for two weeks until he eventually reached the North Cape at Christmas. He showed that with some careful planning, sensible kit choices and respect for nature and the weather anything is possible! Now the full clip for this stunning expedition is out!

]]>Thu, 28 Sep 2017 07:42:35 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=42043

Last winter Fanatic rider and extreme paddler Thomas Oschwald was in search of the polar light. He paddled alone and without any support on his Ray Air from Tromsø to the North Cape. Icy coldness, long nights and unknown waters challenged him for two weeks until he eventually reached the North Cape at Christmas. He showed that with some careful planning, sensible kit choices and respect for nature and the weather anything is possible! Now the full clip for this stunning expedition is out!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/09/Bildschirmfoto-2017-09-27-um-15.23.22-1.png/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Bildschirmfoto-2017-09-27-um-15.23.22-1.pngInterview with Fanatic Brand Manager Craig Gertenbachhttp://www.fanatic.com/interview-with-fanatic-brand-manager-craig-gertenbach/
Craig Gertenbach is the brand manager for Fanatic and has forged a career in windsurfing by starting as a top PWA pro, then moving into R&D, working with some of the world’s top designers before finally moving into management. He is respected in the sport for a no-nonsense approach and being able to sail at a high level while balancing family life and a hectic work schedule at one of the windsurfing industry’s top companies. Finn Mullen from Wundsurf UK magazine sits down with Craig to discuss windsurfing, life and the future of our sport.

As a windsurfer, Craig knows the importance of being on the water; as a brand manager, he considers it vital. Every few weeks he breaks up periods behind the desk with travelling to test boards, meet team riders, dealers and engage in the windsurfing lifestyle that is central to the Fanatic brand. Having left his native South Africa at 22 to travel extensively, he has a well-rounded view of our sport, the world and life yet retains a businessman’s desire for success in his chosen field. A global citizen, he is at ease in his adopted homeland of Germany. His wife Karin also works at Fanatic as marketing manager and together they have kept Fanatic as one of the industry’s leading brands, noted for their successful board designs and ability to nurture world championship talent in their team riders. Amongst the team in their office, there’s an air of calm confidence and excitement as their new range begins to take shape!

FM – The last year has seen major political upheavals in Europe and around the world. It feels like uncertain times for many sectors yet windsurfing is going strong, how do you see the year ahead for the brand.CG – Hi Finn, well certainly challenging times both economically and politically, however our customers still want to enjoy their leisure time / invest in windsurfing as much possible, so I expect we´ll see this period through as we have done in the past. Perhaps we might see something good develop out of all of this, who knows, stay positive. We had a good year in 2016, despite economical challenges, so we´ll just keep on working hard, being as innovative as possible with the most efficient use of resources!

FM – What are the predictors you use to judge the market – are you being lead by your customers or leading your customers.CG – Generally we like to collect as much feedback as possible from our customers, our forum, ION Club and other centres, all giving us invaluable feedback on existing products and needs. So on one hand we are lead by customers actual needs, on the other hand we have to think ahead of what they might need in the future – the Stubby/Blast being great examples of that, especially with the super feedback from average customers on the FreeWaveand Blast models usi tha concept.

FM – The ‘Stubby’ board has been a game changer in your range, how has it been received commercially and what feedback have you been given?CG – It´s really refreshing to see the excitement when something “brand new” is introduced into the market, the momentum and the image it brings to the brand is huge. And it gets people excited about the sport again. Especially in the Wave / FreeWave and Freeride performance categories, things have been a bit quiet these last few years, the Stubby concept has brought new life to these segments and made these products exciting again. Commercially great successes all-round, but even more important is the boards sell through at the shops and customers are stoked. With all the travelling that myself, Dani (Aeberli, Product Manager), Klaas (Voget, Marketing Manager/Head of Wave R&D) do, we get to meet some very happy customers and share their stoke about these new products / see them motivated to windsurf even more!

FM – Windsurf board construction has been relatively unchanged in recent years, do you see or are you looking for any new technology to change the manufacture process?

CG – On the outside yes, not a major difference the last few years but there´s quite a bit more going on under the surface with our exclusive Carbon Innegra Biax material for example, or our LTD Freeride series offering stiffness and light weight at a reasonable price – so I think it´s not massive steps we are looking at, rather making progressive gains so when a customer buys a new product every 3-5 years, he can see the difference in optics, shape and materials.

FM – Your high end products have a great reputation, how do you transfer these designs to the average user.CG – With such a small and compact R&D team of Sebastian, Klaas, Daniel, myself and various riders, no input gets lost or wasted. So it was easy for us to use Klaas´s experiences with the Stubby project to transfer right over to the FreeWave or Blast concepts. Similarly our Falcon boards often give insights for our Gecko range etc. So as long as the information remains in a fairly compact group and is regularly shared, then it can be put to good use. We might enjoy wavesailing / slalom sailing ourselves, but we have been developing Freeride / beginner gear, in co-operation with ION Club and regular average Joe testers, for more than 20 years, so feel confident that we know what our average customer needs. FM – Where is the market at right now?

CG – The market is pretty similar to what it has been. Slalom has made a nice comeback, which is positive. Our range sells actually very well across the board, which is a nice compliment to our design and shaping team, showing competency and consistency. The biggest markets are still Germany and France, followed by similar market sizes in UK, Italy, Benelux, USA etc.; we are seeing some of the smaller markets making a nice comeback too.

FM – You juggle a lot of roles – father, manager, tester, and windsurfer – what are your time management tips.CG – Well, when I´m in Germany, we do start fairly early at 730 am, which is quite a good time to get a lot of the mails and other stuff done, before the B&M office gets too crazy. I try to replicate that on the many trips I do too, so that part of the job is already at least under control for a few hours. And I´m quite flexible with holidays/working trips, generally I´ll only not answer mails over a few days at Xmas. The rest of the year including weekends and evenings, I’m online and answering ASAP. This is the most efficient way for me to work, to avoid reminders or missing opportunities. On test trips or photoshoots we just try to work continuously, if there´s any breaks then it’s straight to the computer or taking care of other business. Holidays are quite good for us as everyone in the family windsurfs, so many test trips can also be combined as holidays, my kids are even in our photoshoots! Time management tips, phew, rather do it now than later, but set priorities obviously and delegate / share the responsibilities within the team, according to their individual strengths and skill sets. I´m really lucky in that I do not need to spend a lot of time managing my team, they all know exactly what they need to do and I simply assist in each department and of course focus too on sales / brand management.

FM – For many a job in windsurfing would seem like a dream come true, what is the reality?CG – Indeed, but there is plenty of office time, trips which are less fun than you can imagine or time away from family which is not always that great. But in general I´m very happy with my lifestyle and cannot complain, if anything would be nice to spend a bit less time in Germany in winter and more in Cape Town, my home.

FM – You had a very unique path into your job, transitioning from top pro to tester to management. Given not everyone can be a top pro, what advice would you give to someone wishing to work in the industry.CG – Not that unique though, Svein / Starboard, Roberto / RRD, Patrice / Exocet and a few others have also managed to make the step across. There are obviously different ways to get into the business, but having experience in some part of the sport is very useful, if that is on a retail, product development or design side. And being realistic about the size of the sport and what you are able to achieve in a career within the industry is quite important too!

FM – Success is something that the brand strives for in board design or competition results – is there a management science or motivational techniques, mantras or culture that you apply?CG – We do get some regular management coaching in fact, but I can´t say that this has changed anything in the way we do things – we are all very competitive people in our brand, if you look at myself, Sebastian, Daniel, Klaas or Karin – everyone is really passionate about the brand and being the best, regardless of products, marketing or sales. And I suppose that is then the natural culture, because everyone lives the sport 100%, in both work and leisure time.

FM – You are noted for identifying and nurturing talent, when you recruit a team rider what are you looking for?CG – Nowadays it´s quite nice to have Klaas and Daniel doing a lot of the recruiting on the front end in wave and slalom, they also look for real team players – we like top performers with modest / low ego attitudes who are comfortable within themselves. Easy to approach guys whom you can send anywhere and they´ll make a great impression on every person they meet. This is easily as important as the results, if not more.

FM – A young rider approaches you saying they want to be a professional windsurfer, what do you tell them?CG – Usually I would say set yourself realistic goals, starting from local to national and then to international levels, in both contests and media work. Make sure you spend at least 50% of your time marketing yourself, not just going windsurfing all day. That is far easier nowadays at least in terms of social media, Videos, online mags, Instagram etc., than trying to get into classic print magazines. And most importantly, look for out-of-industry sponsors, who you can work with to make a difference for their brand, to have sustainable long-term sponsors. And my favourite advice, don´t forget to enjoy it, these will be the best years of your life, regardless of results, income or fame!

FM – You’ve retained some of the best riders in the world for long standing relationships with the brand – how do you keep them and how do you manage losing a rider.CG – We try to treat each of our riders with a similar amount of respect and support, to make sure they feel part of the family. Obviously, some might earn more, but we try not to have a big difference between support levels and certainly do our best to show as many of the riders in our media channels where possible. I think this is well appreciated and the first thing new riders comment on when joining our team / requesting to get onboard. Losing riders is never good, especially if they have been with the brand for a longer time, take Matteo for example, we took him from a top 20 rider and put him on the podium, narrowly missing a World Title, within 2 years. Similar with Brawzinho, but you have to accept that sometimes the guys simply have better chances at other brands to fully exploit their financial rewards and move on. No point in being negative and I try to stay on good terms with all our ex riders wherever possible, congratulating them on their successes / careers – the Windsurf industry is very small, I travel to a lot of events, I hate having negative energy around me, life´s too short for that.

FM – Fanatic has a very noticeable ‘team’ culture, almost like an extended family – is that natural or deliberate.CG – It is deliberate to create, but to be honest, comes naturally also if you choose the right people to work with. For example in our office team, I will also be there unpacking boards and testing with Dani, Klaas etc., not delegating and creating a them vs. us culture. Same goes at our photoshoots, Victor is the World Champ but he´s right there unpacking 50 boards in 35° with us, next to Adam, myself, Dani etc., no complaints. That´s the type of attitude that helps us bind as a group for sure. Plus of course the fact that we can all sail together in similar conditions at a fairly high level, helps the respect factor amongst all and leads to a lot of great memories to share.

FM – How important is windsurfing competition in your view. CG – Without competitions, there would be very little for our Windsurfing media to report about and low chances of seeing our heroes on the water at the various World Cups. But also national and local competitions are super important to keep the communities alive in our sport, which has been the biggest problem over the last 20 years – people ended up going windsurfing alone and sooner or later doing a sport alone becomes boring and people lose interest. So I think it´s a very, very important part of our sport, on both the lower and top levels.

FM – Do we need to change anything in the formats of windsurfing competition?CG – In Freestyle I think they should try a more simple format perhaps, to make it more spectator friendly, on the other hand I have no clue what the names of the moves in snowboarding or skateboarding are but I still really enjoy watching it, same as I do in freestyle windsurfing where I am clueless to 50% of the moves at least? Slalom is great right now, I would just like to see a few different shorter courses which favour also tactics and gybing, that is getting better now on the PWA too. Wave, well to be honest, the only thing we need there is more events. Same old story, you want quality judges, media, free accommodation, proper prize money, but all this costs money. If you just want cool locations and are prepared to sacrifice all the rest and not really be sustainable, then go to the smaller events format. I think people badly underestimate how good the current PWA format is / how strong the Tour is – just because there are sometimes a few less events (8 or 9 slalom this year alone!) – check out the mess in the SUP and Kite pro tours vs. the much smaller sport of windsurfing. The PWA can be really proud of the job they do and what they offer the athletes. Good conditions / locations do not help you if you are only spending money at events and not creating something sustainable, that´s fine for the IWT, where the general concept is different to the PWA, but it´s not professional windsurfing.

FM – Do you miss competing?CG – I did in the first years a lot, but managed to put that competitive streak to better use in my career and the last 2 years I competed at our South African Slalom Nationals in Langebaan, SA, just great fun and I won the SA Slalom title in 2016/17, nearly 20 years after retiring! We have a nice scene going on in SA right now with plenty of people getting back into windsurfing and some fun slalom events; this is what we need to see more of everywhere.

FM – You sail in slalom and waves to a very high level, how do you maintain your windsurf fitness when you are working long hours in the office.CG – High level for my age would be a more accurate description I think! I try to do a mix of running, cycling and a bit of gym in winter, I´m not too good at sitting still although I need to motivate myself sometimes after a long day in the office, just like anyone else. I try to mix it up with different activities, throw in some snowboarding, paddling etc., otherwise sport becomes too routine. As you age, you notice how exhausting windsurfing is, so it´s definitely better to prepare physically whenever possible.

FM – The slalom world title has been very close to Fanatic’s grasp the last few years – what advice have you given Pierre and is there anything you have been working on for the 2017 season.CG – In 2015 both Pierre and Matteo were extremely unlucky not to get the Overall World Title, each winning 2 out of 6 events. Last year Pierre was also a bit unfortunate at a few events, but Matteo most certainly put it together on Sylt and deservedly won the title. I never put too much pressure on our team in terms of results, but I do watch as many of the events live or on streaming, where I sometimes have some smaller tips or advice to give. Nothing special, but for Pierre for example he was relying a bit too much on his speed at some events, being a touch too conservative on starts – he knows that anyway and I think if anything he will perhaps put a bit more risk on the line this year in that department. Other than that, the boys have been training hard and I think it´s going to be a very exciting year in all the disciplines, the level is through the roof!

FM – Victor and Gollito had an incredible year, they say retaining your title is always the hardest part – what advice have you given them for 2017.CG – Both Victor and Gollito are really mega competitors, real pros, so it´s hard to give them any advice, they both know what they need to train on and how to put heats together. Again, here it is going to be super interesting to see who can knock them off their thrones in 2017, with both wave and freestyle having less events this year, there will be no room for errors. Consistency and fitness will be key. With the level so close in both disciplines between the top guys, the guys who are ready to risk a bit more than classic routines will win.

FM – Every year you travel the world and every year you return to your birthplace, South Africa, how do you view your country when you return home.CG – Tricky question, I love my home country and love being there. On the other hand, if you pick up a newspaper or follow the political and social problems that actual residents face each day, then it´s a completely different world to what the European windsurfing guys see when they are there. It´s just such a shame that the opportunity to unite and rebuild the country is not being used, instead it is becoming even more divided and 90% of the people are not getting the uplift they hoped for, for so many years. Still hoping that somehow this works out, as I would love to settle back / spend more time there in the future.

FM – As an ex-pat, living in Europe, what do you make of European life and European windsurfing?CG – I’ve been in Europe since 1991, living in France, Spain and now Germany since 2000, such a great opportunity to get to know different cultures and traditions. I really enjoy being able to sample the best of all the places I live / visit and still retain my own identity somehow. Europe has some great windsurfing spots – Greece, France, Canaries, Denmark, Spain and not forgetting the UK of course!

FM – Family is a huge part of your life; does windsurfing make you a better husband or father? CG – As your kids get older, you need to find activities that you can do together, like skiing, SUP or windsurfing, otherwise they are off skateboarding / horse riding with their friends all day! So whilst it really was a big challenge over the last 10 years to get their windsurfing levels up to the point where we can all go out and plane around together, it was most certainly worth it. To see how much fun they have and also realizing that they are part of a very, very small group of people who can enjoy the sport, makes them feel special. I´m always surprised by how few of my friends bother to teach their kids to windsurf, especially knowing themselves how much fun it is. If every windsurfer would encourage family and friends into the sport and devote a bit of time to it, then the sport would be considerably bigger today. Better husband?, is that a trick question? – I rig my wife´s sails, does that count? Ha ha!

FM – Where is the best place you have been for a family windsurfing holiday?CG – We have been fortunate to visit so many places, I would say the ideal spot is still Mauritius, where everything is rigged in front of your hotel room, buffet twice a day, no cars for weeks on end, SUP if there is no wind. I really enjoy those types of trips vs. Cape Town, which can be quite stressy with all the driving, but you also then have other attractions. But I try not to compare locations, we have been to Lake Garda for the last 3 summer holidays and had a great time too, it´s like a second home to us being so close.

FM – With windsurfing being both your work and play, do you ever feel a need to switch off from it?CG – I´m into a few other sports like snowboarding, road cycling and SUP, so sometimes it´s fun to just do something else. But as we are based in Munich, when I am here I am working, so when I go on a trip for windsurfing, I am more than eager to get back onto the water, even after 38 years of windsurfing.

FM – What do we need to do to make windsurfing bigger?CG – Windsurfing schools are generally still very well booked nowadays, the figures from the VDWS and I believe also the RYA show growth every year for a number of years now, so the sport is interesting enough for people to want to learn it. The equipment nowadays is leaps and bounds better than in the 70s and 80s. What I think is a problem is that some schools / centres are far too focused on teaching the basics in windsurfing as quickly as possible and with as many students as possible, to maximize their efficiency. So most schools teach with quite large boards / small sails and generally avoid sending students out when it´s windy, as that means more boats, smaller classes, i.e. less efficiency / profits. This means that most people doing a basic windsurfing course will probably never ever experience planing windsurfing in their first session. My first windsurfing experience in 1982 was in a gusty 5-20 knot day, where I got catapulted every 50 metres shortly after planing, but that feeling of planing is what drove me to near madness to keep on trying to master the sport. This is missing in many lessons you´ll see today for beginners, which is a major reason why 95% of people who take a beginners course do not continue the sport.

Another reason is that 30-40 years ago, a lot of people learnt windsurfing by trying their friend’s gear, or shops were closely associated with centres, creating an atmosphere where each new student was potentially also a new long term client. Some shops nowadays have their own centres, so they are motivated to run beginner classes and benefit financially long term with those customers. But many centres are unfortunately far too focused on just getting as many beginners through their door, with no regard to whether they continue the sport, as there is no financial gain for them? Obviously this is a very general statement and there are many schools who do a great job on promoting the sport and keeping people involved, so hopefully others will follow their example!

All the excuses about being too expensive, complicated etc., all of that would be less of a barrier if these beginners would have felt that planing / excitement experience. Kitesurfing is exactly the opposite, it´s exactly the danger / radical image which attracts people, and generally you can experience this (often negatively) right from the moment the kite drags you up the beach / through the water or car park etc. – you do a kite course and generally they give you equipment which allows you to plane within the first few days of the course. Despite the many dangers of the courses, a much higher % of people who learn kiting, stick with it afterwards, regardless of similar costs to windsurfing, time needed, potential injuries etc. etc. So I would really recommend schooling that is focused on getting people planing as quickly as possible, even if it means falling off here and there.

Another thing is, why is everyone always pushing the brands to show less radical images and focus on the beginners / freeride imagery. Do you really think that attracts people to a sport? Dan Kaseler (designer of Avanti Sails) was recently reported as saying something similar. We need to compete with snowboarding, mountain biking, skateboarding and a ton of other action sports. Kiting is the perfect example, it´s a dangerous sport, they mainly promote the most radical part of the sport and this attracts people in droves who want to learn. They want to learn because it´s edgy, new, radical. Not because it´s “easy to learn”. Yes we need those beginner and freeride images and products, yes we already have them and use them extensively. But many of today´s potential windsurfers are looking for action, excitement, adventure; they need the ‘extreme’ imagery to motivate them to try our sport.

FM – Windsurfing is very good at retaining its customers, some having done the sport for 30+ years, why do you think that is. CG – Very good point, how many other sports can keep their users locked into such a physically and mentally challenging activity for so many years! Why do they keep on doing it, fairly simple – if it was easy, everyone could do it. Being a windsurfer means you are choosing to do something different to the mainstream. Yes it´s frustrating, yes it´s expensive, yes there are 20 other sports which are easier, less reliant on conditions, easier to travel with etc. etc. But when you first pop up onto the plane, or cruise across a stretch of water, that sense of freedom is unlike any bike ride, boat trip or gym workout you´ll ever do. Whilst I kite occasionally and really appreciate the low workout factor, size of the gear etc., I am usually bored within 20 minutes and cannot wait to get back to the physical challenge that windsurfing presents.

It´s natural that people move onto other sports, especially as they get older or perhaps find other sports “cooler”. What irritates me is when some of these people who were either bored with windsurfing / never had the level / follow every new trend (take your pick), continuously have to harp on about how great kiting is vs. windsurfing. It´s fine to change sports, enjoy it, just stop telling people about all the so-called reasons why you switched and be honest with yourself – the main reason is often – windsurfing is harder physically, takes more time, but does not necessarily cost more. It´s far safer and will keep you fitter by far. And like anything in life, if you want to have something special, you need to work for it. The reward is worth it in my opinion.

FM – Finally, 5 years from now, where do you see Fanatic – what goals are you working to as a company and where do you see windsurfing in 5 years time.CG – Currently we are the number 1 windsurfing brand globally (at least this is what our supplier tells us), so I hope we can continue to hold that position and together with our competitors try and grow the market step by step. Hopefully we can all keep innovating and keep the sport interesting, with a good focus obviously on more sustainable products for our future generations. There is a good growth segment at the moment of young windsurfing kids everywhere, plenty of people also coming back to the sport after trying kiting / having family or career time restraints. So I see windsurfing remaining as a “niche” sport due to the costs / time / conditions needed factor, however there are still plenty of people attracted to learn the sport as we see from overbooked schools and centres everywhere. We just need to make sure they keep on trying until they get to the level where it really starts being fun!

Words by Finn Mullen/Windsurf Magazine UK

Pics by Maleen Hoekstra, John Carter, Klaas Voget, Fish Bowl Diaries

]]>Wed, 27 Sep 2017 09:40:10 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=41994

Craig Gertenbach is the brand manager for Fanatic and has forged a career in windsurfing by starting as a top PWA pro, then moving into R&D, working with some of the world’s top designers before finally moving into management. He is respected in the sport for a no-nonsense approach and being able to sail at a high level while balancing family life and a hectic work schedule at one of the windsurfing industry’s top companies. Finn Mullen from Wundsurf UK magazine sits down with Craig to discuss windsurfing, life and the future of our sport.

As a windsurfer, Craig knows the importance of being on the water; as a brand manager, he considers it vital. Every few weeks he breaks up periods behind the desk with travelling to test boards, meet team riders, dealers and engage in the windsurfing lifestyle that is central to the Fanatic brand. Having left his native South Africa at 22 to travel extensively, he has a well-rounded view of our sport, the world and life yet retains a businessman’s desire for success in his chosen field. A global citizen, he is at ease in his adopted homeland of Germany. His wife Karin also works at Fanatic as marketing manager and together they have kept Fanatic as one of the industry’s leading brands, noted for their successful board designs and ability to nurture world championship talent in their team riders. Amongst the team in their office, there’s an air of calm confidence and excitement as their new range begins to take shape!

FM – The last year has seen major political upheavals in Europe and around the world. It feels like uncertain times for many sectors yet windsurfing is going strong, how do you see the year ahead for the brand.CG – Hi Finn, well certainly challenging times both economically and politically, however our customers still want to enjoy their leisure time / invest in windsurfing as much possible, so I expect we´ll see this period through as we have done in the past. Perhaps we might see something good develop out of all of this, who knows, stay positive. We had a good year in 2016, despite economical challenges, so we´ll just keep on working hard, being as innovative as possible with the most efficient use of resources!

FM – What are the predictors you use to judge the market – are you being lead by your customers or leading your customers.CG – Generally we like to collect as much feedback as possible from our customers, our forum, ION Club and other centres, all giving us invaluable feedback on existing products and needs. So on one hand we are lead by customers actual needs, on the other hand we have to think ahead of what they might need in the future – the Stubby/Blast being great examples of that, especially with the super feedback from average customers on the FreeWaveand Blast models usi tha concept.

FM – The ‘Stubby’ board has been a game changer in your range, how has it been received commercially and what feedback have you been given?CG – It´s really refreshing to see the excitement when something “brand new” is introduced into the market, the momentum and the image it brings to the brand is huge. And it gets people excited about the sport again. Especially in the Wave / FreeWave and Freeride performance categories, things have been a bit quiet these last few years, the Stubby concept has brought new life to these segments and made these products exciting again. Commercially great successes all-round, but even more important is the boards sell through at the shops and customers are stoked. With all the travelling that myself, Dani (Aeberli, Product Manager), Klaas (Voget, Marketing Manager/Head of Wave R&D) do, we get to meet some very happy customers and share their stoke about these new products / see them motivated to windsurf even more!

FM – Windsurf board construction has been relatively unchanged in recent years, do you see or are you looking for any new technology to change the manufacture process?

CG – On the outside yes, not a major difference the last few years but there´s quite a bit more going on under the surface with our exclusive Carbon Innegra Biax material for example, or our LTD Freeride series offering stiffness and light weight at a reasonable price – so I think it´s not massive steps we are looking at, rather making progressive gains so when a customer buys a new product every 3-5 years, he can see the difference in optics, shape and materials.

FM – Your high end products have a great reputation, how do you transfer these designs to the average user.CG – With such a small and compact R&D team of Sebastian, Klaas, Daniel, myself and various riders, no input gets lost or wasted. So it was easy for us to use Klaas´s experiences with the Stubby project to transfer right over to the FreeWave or Blast concepts. Similarly our Falcon boards often give insights for our Gecko range etc. So as long as the information remains in a fairly compact group and is regularly shared, then it can be put to good use. We might enjoy wavesailing / slalom sailing ourselves, but we have been developing Freeride / beginner gear, in co-operation with ION Club and regular average Joe testers, for more than 20 years, so feel confident that we know what our average customer needs. FM – Where is the market at right now?

CG – The market is pretty similar to what it has been. Slalom has made a nice comeback, which is positive. Our range sells actually very well across the board, which is a nice compliment to our design and shaping team, showing competency and consistency. The biggest markets are still Germany and France, followed by similar market sizes in UK, Italy, Benelux, USA etc.; we are seeing some of the smaller markets making a nice comeback too.

FM – You juggle a lot of roles – father, manager, tester, and windsurfer – what are your time management tips.CG – Well, when I´m in Germany, we do start fairly early at 730 am, which is quite a good time to get a lot of the mails and other stuff done, before the B&M office gets too crazy. I try to replicate that on the many trips I do too, so that part of the job is already at least under control for a few hours. And I´m quite flexible with holidays/working trips, generally I´ll only not answer mails over a few days at Xmas. The rest of the year including weekends and evenings, I’m online and answering ASAP. This is the most efficient way for me to work, to avoid reminders or missing opportunities. On test trips or photoshoots we just try to work continuously, if there´s any breaks then it’s straight to the computer or taking care of other business. Holidays are quite good for us as everyone in the family windsurfs, so many test trips can also be combined as holidays, my kids are even in our photoshoots! Time management tips, phew, rather do it now than later, but set priorities obviously and delegate / share the responsibilities within the team, according to their individual strengths and skill sets. I´m really lucky in that I do not need to spend a lot of time managing my team, they all know exactly what they need to do and I simply assist in each department and of course focus too on sales / brand management.

FM – For many a job in windsurfing would seem like a dream come true, what is the reality?CG – Indeed, but there is plenty of office time, trips which are less fun than you can imagine or time away from family which is not always that great. But in general I´m very happy with my lifestyle and cannot complain, if anything would be nice to spend a bit less time in Germany in winter and more in Cape Town, my home.

FM – You had a very unique path into your job, transitioning from top pro to tester to management. Given not everyone can be a top pro, what advice would you give to someone wishing to work in the industry.CG – Not that unique though, Svein / Starboard, Roberto / RRD, Patrice / Exocet and a few others have also managed to make the step across. There are obviously different ways to get into the business, but having experience in some part of the sport is very useful, if that is on a retail, product development or design side. And being realistic about the size of the sport and what you are able to achieve in a career within the industry is quite important too!

FM – Success is something that the brand strives for in board design or competition results – is there a management science or motivational techniques, mantras or culture that you apply?CG – We do get some regular management coaching in fact, but I can´t say that this has changed anything in the way we do things – we are all very competitive people in our brand, if you look at myself, Sebastian, Daniel, Klaas or Karin – everyone is really passionate about the brand and being the best, regardless of products, marketing or sales. And I suppose that is then the natural culture, because everyone lives the sport 100%, in both work and leisure time.

FM – You are noted for identifying and nurturing talent, when you recruit a team rider what are you looking for?CG – Nowadays it´s quite nice to have Klaas and Daniel doing a lot of the recruiting on the front end in wave and slalom, they also look for real team players – we like top performers with modest / low ego attitudes who are comfortable within themselves. Easy to approach guys whom you can send anywhere and they´ll make a great impression on every person they meet. This is easily as important as the results, if not more.

FM – A young rider approaches you saying they want to be a professional windsurfer, what do you tell them?CG – Usually I would say set yourself realistic goals, starting from local to national and then to international levels, in both contests and media work. Make sure you spend at least 50% of your time marketing yourself, not just going windsurfing all day. That is far easier nowadays at least in terms of social media, Videos, online mags, Instagram etc., than trying to get into classic print magazines. And most importantly, look for out-of-industry sponsors, who you can work with to make a difference for their brand, to have sustainable long-term sponsors. And my favourite advice, don´t forget to enjoy it, these will be the best years of your life, regardless of results, income or fame!

FM – You’ve retained some of the best riders in the world for long standing relationships with the brand – how do you keep them and how do you manage losing a rider.CG – We try to treat each of our riders with a similar amount of respect and support, to make sure they feel part of the family. Obviously, some might earn more, but we try not to have a big difference between support levels and certainly do our best to show as many of the riders in our media channels where possible. I think this is well appreciated and the first thing new riders comment on when joining our team / requesting to get onboard. Losing riders is never good, especially if they have been with the brand for a longer time, take Matteo for example, we took him from a top 20 rider and put him on the podium, narrowly missing a World Title, within 2 years. Similar with Brawzinho, but you have to accept that sometimes the guys simply have better chances at other brands to fully exploit their financial rewards and move on. No point in being negative and I try to stay on good terms with all our ex riders wherever possible, congratulating them on their successes / careers – the Windsurf industry is very small, I travel to a lot of events, I hate having negative energy around me, life´s too short for that.

FM – Fanatic has a very noticeable ‘team’ culture, almost like an extended family – is that natural or deliberate.CG – It is deliberate to create, but to be honest, comes naturally also if you choose the right people to work with. For example in our office team, I will also be there unpacking boards and testing with Dani, Klaas etc., not delegating and creating a them vs. us culture. Same goes at our photoshoots, Victor is the World Champ but he´s right there unpacking 50 boards in 35° with us, next to Adam, myself, Dani etc., no complaints. That´s the type of attitude that helps us bind as a group for sure. Plus of course the fact that we can all sail together in similar conditions at a fairly high level, helps the respect factor amongst all and leads to a lot of great memories to share.

FM – How important is windsurfing competition in your view. CG – Without competitions, there would be very little for our Windsurfing media to report about and low chances of seeing our heroes on the water at the various World Cups. But also national and local competitions are super important to keep the communities alive in our sport, which has been the biggest problem over the last 20 years – people ended up going windsurfing alone and sooner or later doing a sport alone becomes boring and people lose interest. So I think it´s a very, very important part of our sport, on both the lower and top levels.

FM – Do we need to change anything in the formats of windsurfing competition?CG – In Freestyle I think they should try a more simple format perhaps, to make it more spectator friendly, on the other hand I have no clue what the names of the moves in snowboarding or skateboarding are but I still really enjoy watching it, same as I do in freestyle windsurfing where I am clueless to 50% of the moves at least? Slalom is great right now, I would just like to see a few different shorter courses which favour also tactics and gybing, that is getting better now on the PWA too. Wave, well to be honest, the only thing we need there is more events. Same old story, you want quality judges, media, free accommodation, proper prize money, but all this costs money. If you just want cool locations and are prepared to sacrifice all the rest and not really be sustainable, then go to the smaller events format. I think people badly underestimate how good the current PWA format is / how strong the Tour is – just because there are sometimes a few less events (8 or 9 slalom this year alone!) – check out the mess in the SUP and Kite pro tours vs. the much smaller sport of windsurfing. The PWA can be really proud of the job they do and what they offer the athletes. Good conditions / locations do not help you if you are only spending money at events and not creating something sustainable, that´s fine for the IWT, where the general concept is different to the PWA, but it´s not professional windsurfing.

FM – Do you miss competing?CG – I did in the first years a lot, but managed to put that competitive streak to better use in my career and the last 2 years I competed at our South African Slalom Nationals in Langebaan, SA, just great fun and I won the SA Slalom title in 2016/17, nearly 20 years after retiring! We have a nice scene going on in SA right now with plenty of people getting back into windsurfing and some fun slalom events; this is what we need to see more of everywhere.

FM – You sail in slalom and waves to a very high level, how do you maintain your windsurf fitness when you are working long hours in the office.CG – High level for my age would be a more accurate description I think! I try to do a mix of running, cycling and a bit of gym in winter, I´m not too good at sitting still although I need to motivate myself sometimes after a long day in the office, just like anyone else. I try to mix it up with different activities, throw in some snowboarding, paddling etc., otherwise sport becomes too routine. As you age, you notice how exhausting windsurfing is, so it´s definitely better to prepare physically whenever possible.

FM – The slalom world title has been very close to Fanatic’s grasp the last few years – what advice have you given Pierre and is there anything you have been working on for the 2017 season.CG – In 2015 both Pierre and Matteo were extremely unlucky not to get the Overall World Title, each winning 2 out of 6 events. Last year Pierre was also a bit unfortunate at a few events, but Matteo most certainly put it together on Sylt and deservedly won the title. I never put too much pressure on our team in terms of results, but I do watch as many of the events live or on streaming, where I sometimes have some smaller tips or advice to give. Nothing special, but for Pierre for example he was relying a bit too much on his speed at some events, being a touch too conservative on starts – he knows that anyway and I think if anything he will perhaps put a bit more risk on the line this year in that department. Other than that, the boys have been training hard and I think it´s going to be a very exciting year in all the disciplines, the level is through the roof!

FM – Victor and Gollito had an incredible year, they say retaining your title is always the hardest part – what advice have you given them for 2017.CG – Both Victor and Gollito are really mega competitors, real pros, so it´s hard to give them any advice, they both know what they need to train on and how to put heats together. Again, here it is going to be super interesting to see who can knock them off their thrones in 2017, with both wave and freestyle having less events this year, there will be no room for errors. Consistency and fitness will be key. With the level so close in both disciplines between the top guys, the guys who are ready to risk a bit more than classic routines will win.

FM – Every year you travel the world and every year you return to your birthplace, South Africa, how do you view your country when you return home.CG – Tricky question, I love my home country and love being there. On the other hand, if you pick up a newspaper or follow the political and social problems that actual residents face each day, then it´s a completely different world to what the European windsurfing guys see when they are there. It´s just such a shame that the opportunity to unite and rebuild the country is not being used, instead it is becoming even more divided and 90% of the people are not getting the uplift they hoped for, for so many years. Still hoping that somehow this works out, as I would love to settle back / spend more time there in the future.

FM – As an ex-pat, living in Europe, what do you make of European life and European windsurfing?CG – I’ve been in Europe since 1991, living in France, Spain and now Germany since 2000, such a great opportunity to get to know different cultures and traditions. I really enjoy being able to sample the best of all the places I live / visit and still retain my own identity somehow. Europe has some great windsurfing spots – Greece, France, Canaries, Denmark, Spain and not forgetting the UK of course!

FM – Family is a huge part of your life; does windsurfing make you a better husband or father? CG – As your kids get older, you need to find activities that you can do together, like skiing, SUP or windsurfing, otherwise they are off skateboarding / horse riding with their friends all day! So whilst it really was a big challenge over the last 10 years to get their windsurfing levels up to the point where we can all go out and plane around together, it was most certainly worth it. To see how much fun they have and also realizing that they are part of a very, very small group of people who can enjoy the sport, makes them feel special. I´m always surprised by how few of my friends bother to teach their kids to windsurf, especially knowing themselves how much fun it is. If every windsurfer would encourage family and friends into the sport and devote a bit of time to it, then the sport would be considerably bigger today. Better husband?, is that a trick question? – I rig my wife´s sails, does that count? Ha ha!

FM – Where is the best place you have been for a family windsurfing holiday?CG – We have been fortunate to visit so many places, I would say the ideal spot is still Mauritius, where everything is rigged in front of your hotel room, buffet twice a day, no cars for weeks on end, SUP if there is no wind. I really enjoy those types of trips vs. Cape Town, which can be quite stressy with all the driving, but you also then have other attractions. But I try not to compare locations, we have been to Lake Garda for the last 3 summer holidays and had a great time too, it´s like a second home to us being so close.

FM – With windsurfing being both your work and play, do you ever feel a need to switch off from it?CG – I´m into a few other sports like snowboarding, road cycling and SUP, so sometimes it´s fun to just do something else. But as we are based in Munich, when I am here I am working, so when I go on a trip for windsurfing, I am more than eager to get back onto the water, even after 38 years of windsurfing.

FM – What do we need to do to make windsurfing bigger?CG – Windsurfing schools are generally still very well booked nowadays, the figures from the VDWS and I believe also the RYA show growth every year for a number of years now, so the sport is interesting enough for people to want to learn it. The equipment nowadays is leaps and bounds better than in the 70s and 80s. What I think is a problem is that some schools / centres are far too focused on teaching the basics in windsurfing as quickly as possible and with as many students as possible, to maximize their efficiency. So most schools teach with quite large boards / small sails and generally avoid sending students out when it´s windy, as that means more boats, smaller classes, i.e. less efficiency / profits. This means that most people doing a basic windsurfing course will probably never ever experience planing windsurfing in their first session. My first windsurfing experience in 1982 was in a gusty 5-20 knot day, where I got catapulted every 50 metres shortly after planing, but that feeling of planing is what drove me to near madness to keep on trying to master the sport. This is missing in many lessons you´ll see today for beginners, which is a major reason why 95% of people who take a beginners course do not continue the sport.

Another reason is that 30-40 years ago, a lot of people learnt windsurfing by trying their friend’s gear, or shops were closely associated with centres, creating an atmosphere where each new student was potentially also a new long term client. Some shops nowadays have their own centres, so they are motivated to run beginner classes and benefit financially long term with those customers. But many centres are unfortunately far too focused on just getting as many beginners through their door, with no regard to whether they continue the sport, as there is no financial gain for them? Obviously this is a very general statement and there are many schools who do a great job on promoting the sport and keeping people involved, so hopefully others will follow their example!

All the excuses about being too expensive, complicated etc., all of that would be less of a barrier if these beginners would have felt that planing / excitement experience. Kitesurfing is exactly the opposite, it´s exactly the danger / radical image which attracts people, and generally you can experience this (often negatively) right from the moment the kite drags you up the beach / through the water or car park etc. – you do a kite course and generally they give you equipment which allows you to plane within the first few days of the course. Despite the many dangers of the courses, a much higher % of people who learn kiting, stick with it afterwards, regardless of similar costs to windsurfing, time needed, potential injuries etc. etc. So I would really recommend schooling that is focused on getting people planing as quickly as possible, even if it means falling off here and there.

Another thing is, why is everyone always pushing the brands to show less radical images and focus on the beginners / freeride imagery. Do you really think that attracts people to a sport? Dan Kaseler (designer of Avanti Sails) was recently reported as saying something similar. We need to compete with snowboarding, mountain biking, skateboarding and a ton of other action sports. Kiting is the perfect example, it´s a dangerous sport, they mainly promote the most radical part of the sport and this attracts people in droves who want to learn. They want to learn because it´s edgy, new, radical. Not because it´s “easy to learn”. Yes we need those beginner and freeride images and products, yes we already have them and use them extensively. But many of today´s potential windsurfers are looking for action, excitement, adventure; they need the ‘extreme’ imagery to motivate them to try our sport.

FM – Windsurfing is very good at retaining its customers, some having done the sport for 30+ years, why do you think that is. CG – Very good point, how many other sports can keep their users locked into such a physically and mentally challenging activity for so many years! Why do they keep on doing it, fairly simple – if it was easy, everyone could do it. Being a windsurfer means you are choosing to do something different to the mainstream. Yes it´s frustrating, yes it´s expensive, yes there are 20 other sports which are easier, less reliant on conditions, easier to travel with etc. etc. But when you first pop up onto the plane, or cruise across a stretch of water, that sense of freedom is unlike any bike ride, boat trip or gym workout you´ll ever do. Whilst I kite occasionally and really appreciate the low workout factor, size of the gear etc., I am usually bored within 20 minutes and cannot wait to get back to the physical challenge that windsurfing presents.

It´s natural that people move onto other sports, especially as they get older or perhaps find other sports “cooler”. What irritates me is when some of these people who were either bored with windsurfing / never had the level / follow every new trend (take your pick), continuously have to harp on about how great kiting is vs. windsurfing. It´s fine to change sports, enjoy it, just stop telling people about all the so-called reasons why you switched and be honest with yourself – the main reason is often – windsurfing is harder physically, takes more time, but does not necessarily cost more. It´s far safer and will keep you fitter by far. And like anything in life, if you want to have something special, you need to work for it. The reward is worth it in my opinion.

FM – Finally, 5 years from now, where do you see Fanatic – what goals are you working to as a company and where do you see windsurfing in 5 years time.CG – Currently we are the number 1 windsurfing brand globally (at least this is what our supplier tells us), so I hope we can continue to hold that position and together with our competitors try and grow the market step by step. Hopefully we can all keep innovating and keep the sport interesting, with a good focus obviously on more sustainable products for our future generations. There is a good growth segment at the moment of young windsurfing kids everywhere, plenty of people also coming back to the sport after trying kiting / having family or career time restraints. So I see windsurfing remaining as a “niche” sport due to the costs / time / conditions needed factor, however there are still plenty of people attracted to learn the sport as we see from overbooked schools and centres everywhere. We just need to make sure they keep on trying until they get to the level where it really starts being fun!

Words by Finn Mullen/Windsurf Magazine UK

Pics by Maleen Hoekstra, John Carter, Klaas Voget, Fish Bowl Diaries

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/09/Craig_KlaasVoget-269A5699.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/Craig_KlaasVoget-269A5699.jpgPascal Rösler arrived @ the Black Seahttp://www.fanatic.com/pascal-rosler-arrived-the-black-sea/
Pascal Rösler, a businessman from Munich, paddled from Munich to the mouth of the Danube into the Black Sea. The start took place on July 20th in Munich and after 2,500 kilometers and 63 days on the water he now has reached his destination. He spent almost 360 hours on his Falcon Air, about 600,000 paddling strokes in total! He did that all for a good cause – to maintain our water, which we all need for our living.

“Every paddle stroke has brought me closer to the Black Sea and with the last paddle stroke this trip has come to an end. It was a wonderful experience and we can be very satisfied with the donations of more than 10,000 Euro we have collected so far.” Pascal explained after his arrival in Sulina, Romania. The donations will support the Pure Water Association for Generations (https://pure-wasser-for-generations.com/) projects to protect water and rive. On average, Pascal spent six to eight hours per day on his board. “Other people go to work in the morning, I went paddling instead,” he said with a smile on his face. On his route between Munich and the Black Sea, Pascal has met many new supporters and friends who will help him with his future projects. “I have met many people who will share my goals and are committed to maintaining clean water. I was surprised how positive the response to our action was.” Pascal continued. Lots of people offered to help him along the route – whether it was fresh water, overnight accommodation or a good meal. It was an interesting experience.

For Pascal the water has become his life and together with the five-man team of the non-profit organisation Pure Water for Generations e.V. he will do everything possible to maintain it. The comprehensive tour diary with all sorts of anecdotes and a lot of historical background is also available at: http://sup-muenchen-schwarzesmeer.de/

The documentary about Pascal’s journey of Very Film will be shown in the course of the autumn in several episodes on the net.

Donations are still welcome under following link: https://pure-water-for-generations.com/en/support/?mit-dem-sup-von-mnchen-bis-ins-schwarze-meer

Well done Pascal – what a great achievement and we are very happy you chose our Falcon Air!

]]>Fri, 22 Sep 2017 12:02:47 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=41959

Pascal Rösler, a businessman from Munich, paddled from Munich to the mouth of the Danube into the Black Sea. The start took place on July 20th in Munich and after 2,500 kilometers and 63 days on the water he now has reached his destination. He spent almost 360 hours on his Falcon Air, about 600,000 paddling strokes in total! He did that all for a good cause – to maintain our water, which we all need for our living.

“Every paddle stroke has brought me closer to the Black Sea and with the last paddle stroke this trip has come to an end. It was a wonderful experience and we can be very satisfied with the donations of more than 10,000 Euro we have collected so far.” Pascal explained after his arrival in Sulina, Romania. The donations will support the Pure Water Association for Generations (https://pure-wasser-for-generations.com/) projects to protect water and rive. On average, Pascal spent six to eight hours per day on his board. “Other people go to work in the morning, I went paddling instead,” he said with a smile on his face. On his route between Munich and the Black Sea, Pascal has met many new supporters and friends who will help him with his future projects. “I have met many people who will share my goals and are committed to maintaining clean water. I was surprised how positive the response to our action was.” Pascal continued. Lots of people offered to help him along the route – whether it was fresh water, overnight accommodation or a good meal. It was an interesting experience.

For Pascal the water has become his life and together with the five-man team of the non-profit organisation Pure Water for Generations e.V. he will do everything possible to maintain it. The comprehensive tour diary with all sorts of anecdotes and a lot of historical background is also available at: http://sup-muenchen-schwarzesmeer.de/

The documentary about Pascal’s journey of Very Film will be shown in the course of the autumn in several episodes on the net.

Donations are still welcome under following link: https://pure-water-for-generations.com/en/support/?mit-dem-sup-von-mnchen-bis-ins-schwarze-meer

Well done Pascal – what a great achievement and we are very happy you chose our Falcon Air!

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/09/170920_PWFG_Sulina_02_IMG_7400_s.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/170920_PWFG_Sulina_02_IMG_7400_s.jpgTeam Quadem Videohttp://www.fanatic.com/team-quadem-in-action/
This year Raf Filippi and his team had the idea to rock the Defi Wind with a big Quadem we especially produced for them! Great clip by Horue Movie – must watch, so funny:-)
]]>Mon, 18 Sep 2017 10:19:18 GMThttp://www.fanatic.com/?p=41930

This year Raf Filippi and his team had the idea to rock the Defi Wind with a big Quadem we especially produced for them! Great clip by Horue Movie – must watch, so funny:-)

]]>http://www.fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/scaled/2017/09/11-1.jpg/w_300_h_300_m_fill/11-1.jpgProduct Launch SUP Range 2018http://www.fanatic.com/product-launch-sup-range-2018/
We are happy to announce that our 2018 SUP Collection is now online! Those looking for adventure and discovery will be stoked with the new, performance orientated Rays and ladies will fall in love with the new Diamond Touring, a female specific version of the ever popular Ray. Both designs are super-efficient delivering effortless glide and stability. With the same inspiring performance, going the distance has never been so easy. Our entry Pure Air inflatable range is designed for everyone in mind. Economically priced, easy to transport, stable and progressive it’s pure fun for all the family. For those looking for an adaptable ride, the Pure Air WS allows for both SUP and Windsurf with straightforward and easy to use features for a fast setup. Most importantly, the next generation of rippers can relish in the inflatables we’ve designed especially for them. Light, durable, and above all forgiving, we know they’ll be proud of their very own toy! What’s more fun than working out on water? Our Fly Air Fit is the ultimate platform for all forms of fitness. From yoga to pilates and strength training, you’ll be surprised how taking your programme to the water will accelerate your progression. For those more inclined to hit the pool, the new Fit Mat is for you. Compact, easy to transport and with intricate design features to enhance your training, we guarantee you’ll be stoked after each session.

We are happy to announce that our 2018 SUP Collection is now online! Those looking for adventure and discovery will be stoked with the new, performance orientated Rays and ladies will fall in love with the new Diamond Touring, a female specific version of the ever popular Ray. Both designs are super-efficient delivering effortless glide and stability. With the same inspiring performance, going the distance has never been so easy. Our entry Pure Air inflatable range is designed for everyone in mind. Economically priced, easy to transport, stable and progressive it’s pure fun for all the family. For those looking for an adaptable ride, the Pure Air WS allows for both SUP and Windsurf with straightforward and easy to use features for a fast setup. Most importantly, the next generation of rippers can relish in the inflatables we’ve designed especially for them. Light, durable, and above all forgiving, we know they’ll be proud of their very own toy! What’s more fun than working out on water? Our Fly Air Fit is the ultimate platform for all forms of fitness. From yoga to pilates and strength training, you’ll be surprised how taking your programme to the water will accelerate your progression. For those more inclined to hit the pool, the new Fit Mat is for you. Compact, easy to transport and with intricate design features to enhance your training, we guarantee you’ll be stoked after each session.